The state of Michigan is hiring a mental health agency to conduct an independent review of the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital, which is under scrutiny over patient safety. The state Community Health Department said Monday that Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services will do an evaluation focusing on inpatient care and the hospital’s organizational structure and staff. The review is expected …

George Washington Taylor, 78, passed away Dec. 4, 2014, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, following an unexpected illness. He was born Nov. 24, 1936, to Harold and Dexter Taylor. He left behind two children, Cindy (Lloyd) Mehaney and Tim Taylor; five grandchildren, Nikita Mehaney, Mackenzie Mehaney, Jillian Taylor, Donovan Hawkinson and Georgeanna Taylor; a sister, Maxine Mains; and many nieces and nephews. …

Rita (Lawrence) Carls, 84, of Centreville, daughter of William Wolcott and Blanche Evelyn (Deisch) Lawrence, born July 22, 1930 in Florence Township, Three Rivers, passed away Monday, December 8, 2014 at Fairview Nursing Centre in Centreville. On December 5, 1953 married Herbert William Carls of Centreville. Herb preceded her in death on July 13, 1976. Rita was a descendant of …

Dale Burton Stutsman, age 82, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 7, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 17, 1932 the son of Fay Douglas and Una Mae(Nothdrup)Stutsman. Dale was a truck driver for many years. He was a member of the Three Rivers Moose Lodge # 474, Three …

Max Eugene Webster, 90, of Mottville, Mich., died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014, at Sturgis Hospital following a short illness. He was born June 6, 1924, in White Pigeon, Mich., the son of Orville and Hazel (McGary) Webster and was a White Pigeon and Mottville area resident all of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in …

Ronald E. Merritt, 66, of Constantine, Mich., died Friday, Dec. 5, 2014, at his home. He had been in failing health since July. He was born March 9, 1958, in Three Rivers, Mich., the son of Frank E. and Pearl (Long) Merritt. He lived in Constantine and White Pigeon all of his life and was a graduate of White Pigeon High …

A 10-year-old boy was struck and killed early Sunday near the intersection of U.S. 131 and West Michigan Avenue in Three Rivers. The boy, Trenton Holtslander, a 15-year-old sibling and their father were walking across U.S. 131 in the 100 block. The victim dropped something and as he went back to retrieve it, he was struck by a northbound van …

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County decreased by six-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 4.6 percent October unemployment rate was less than September’s 5.2 percent. October’s unemployment rate was 2.6 percent less than the same month one year earlier, …

Two Cass County men were arrested on drug-related offenses last week in Volinia Township. Members of the Cass County Drug Enforcement Team were called to assist parole agents from the Michigan Department of Corrections. At 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, they assembled outside a residence in the 16000 block of Dutch Settlement Road. Detectives located methamphetamine components, meth paraphernalia, marijuana and firearms …

Three people were injured following an accident Friday night at the intersection of M-60 and U.S. 131 in Three Rivers. State police said a semi heading south on U.S. 131 struck an eastbound vehicle on M-60 that drove onto U.S. 131 and into the path of the truck around 11 p.m. The driver of the car, 57-year-old Mark Thompson of …