Officials are investigating after a man’s body was found at the scene of a house fire in Kalamazoo County. Firefighters got a call about 3:00 Monday morning about a fire at a home in Pavilion Township near Comstock, where they found flames covering the home and siding melting on a neighbor’s garage. Authorities say the man found dead was 65-year-old …

While many shoppers will be scanning the internet searching for bargains this “Cyber Monday,” local retailers say if you’re more a “hands on” shopper, you should head to your local shop. Michigan Retailers Association President and CEO Jim Hallan says some shoppers like to browse online but still like that face-to-face interaction you get at a local retailer. He says …

The largest school district in the county is considering raising its pay rate for substitute teachers. Meanwhile, Three Rivers Community Schools has already taken that step by approving the first pay increase in 14 years for its substitute teachers following action last week. District officials in Sturgis said a shortage of subs this school year has promoted a look at …

The Sturgis Police Department will receive a new squad vehicle. Anticipating the department would need a new cruiser, the city budgeted $ 27,500 for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Bill Snethkamp-Fleet in Lansing was the low bidder at $22,643, plus a $200 charge for delivery. The vehicle is on the lot and available immediately, a factor that influenced commissioners to accept …

Colon Community Schools is attempting to find new ways to gain input from parents and the community. To that end, district officials have posted on the district’s home page a link to an input survey. The survey can be accessed by going to colonschools.org. Prospective participants should look for and click on a tab that says “Quick Links.” Doing so …

Dean E. Meyers, 82, of Elkhart, Ind., passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital. Dean was born Aug. 25, 1932 in Three Rivers to the late Frank and Gladys (Barnhart) Meyers. On Nov. 1, 1951, he married Rose Mary Long in Ridgeland, S.C. Surviving is his wife of 63 years, Rose Mary Meyers of Elkhart, Ind. and …

William Lee Wood, Jr., age 47, of Constantine passed way suddenly on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. He was born in Sturgis, MI on February 26, 1967 the son of William L. and Marsha(Marshand) Wood, Sr. William was a high school graduate and worked for Jay’s Tree Service, Corey Lake Orchard for the seasonal months, Four Seasons Trailers, Holly Park Travel …

Velma L. Pierce, age 86, formerly of Three Rivers, died Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014 in Olathe, Kansas. She was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 22, 1928 the daughter of the late Glenn and Emma (Hemminger) Crawford. She was married to Robert Pierce on Aug. 12, 1946 in Kalamazoo. They made their home near Fisher Lake where Velma was a …

David E. Friesner, 77, of White Pigeon, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014, at Elkhart General Hospital, following a short illness. He was born Jan. 21, 1937, in White Pigeon, a son of James and Margaret (Garber) Friesner. He lived in the White Pigeon and Stone Lake areas all his life. He was a graduate of White Pigeon High School, where …

Hazel I. Currier, 95, of Wakarusa, Ind., and formerly of Goshen, Ind., and White Pigeon, died Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014. Private interment will be held at White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Donations may be directed to Hospice or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are by Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon.