Colon Community Schools Superintendent Rachel Kowalski issued a statement last week related to a student who became ill after participating in a social media challenge. Kowalski said a student at Colon Elementary ate a tortilla chip infused with Carolina Reaper, considered the hottest pepper in the world. The victim, whose grade level or age were not indicated, became violently ill …

Jacie King, a member of the Centreville FFA chapter, was awarded the American FFA Degree at the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo last month. The award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested at least $10,000 through a supervised agricultural-experience program …

Speed considered too fast for weather conditions likely played a factor in a two-car crash last weekend in Cass County’s Newberg Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said 18-year-old Alek James Dahlgren, of Cassopolis, was traveling east on M-60 at 5 p.m. Saturday when he swerved the car he was driving to miss a vehicle slowing in the roadway ahead of him. …

A 22-year-old Three Rivers man was involved in a single-vehicle crash last week in Park Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called at 6:30 a.m. Thursday to the area of U.S. 131 and Muskrat Road in response to a rolled-over vehicle. Authorities said Tyriq Perryman was heading north on U.S. 131 when he lost control of …

Jeff Mullins was reappointed mayor of Sturgis last week, while a new member was sworn in to the city commission. Mullins was reappointed to a second one-year term in a unanimous vote. Meanwhile, vice Mayor Aaron Miller was reappointed to his position for the next year. Mullins, Frank Perez and Brandon Kinsey were sworn in, having been re-elected unopposed Nov. …

Mendon High School’s attempt to win its 12th football title was thwarted Saturday by Powers North Central High School. Playing at the Superior Dome in Marquette, the Jets set the tone immediately, as they returned the opening kick off for a score, led 21-0 after six minutes, 28-0 by the end of the first quarter and 41-6 at halftime. North …

St. Joseph County officials this week approved two matters authorizing acceptance of a pair of grants. During their monthly meeting Tuesday, commissioners OK’d receiving grants of more than $300,000 for specialty court programs and a Homeland Security grant in excess of $630,000. St. Joseph County Emergency Management Director Erin Goff quickly noted the $630,000-plus is for the nine-county region of …

Three Rivers Fire Department announced this week the return of “Firefighters for Santa” this season. The department is partnering with St. Joseph County United Way, which will act as a fiduciary agent for the popular program. Organizers said 100 percent of donations will be sent to Three Rivers Fire Department’s firefighters association to help purchase gifts. Toy-collection boxes will be …

A big weekend is on tap for Mendon Hornets football fans. Mendon will play Saturday in its first state-title game since the 2011 team capped an undefeated season for the school’s 11th state title. Its game Saturday will be Mendon’s first as an eight-man squad. The Division 2 contest will feature the Hornets at the Superior Dome in Marquette for …

My name is Faith – I am an intact female that is a little over 2 years old. I am housetrained. Don’t let my scars scare you away. I was attacked by a dog when I was just a kitten. I am a sweet and loving little girl who is just looking for a forever home to call my own, …