A third death in Kalamazoo County is being blamed on the flu. Health officials say the latest victim had multiple underlying medical issues. All three Kalazmazoo County flu victims were over the age of 50. A flu-related death was also confirmed last week in Van Buren County.  (MRN)

The disappearance of a Western Michigan University medical student continues to baffle police. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller says they have no idea where Dr. Teleka Patrick is at this time. Fuller said it appears the 30-year-old resident at Borgess Medical Center left Kalamazoo willingly on December 5th and was headed to a relative’s home in Chicago. He added that …

Hello. My name is Dogee and I am a female, black & tan Heeler/Rott mix. I am about 5 years old and am moderately active. I really like people and love to cuddle and have my belly rubbed. I am sweet and friendly and even good with cats! I’m housebroken but I do like to have a little time to …

The St. Joseph County United Way is in the homestretch of its 2014 campaign, and its executive director is appealing to the public for help with a final push. Kelly Hostetler said financial donations for the current campaign will be accepted through Jan. 31. With a goal of $740,000 – the local United Way’s largest ever – the campaign is …

The Newell A. and Grace A. Franks Fund, held by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation, is leading the way for the facelift and relocation of Sturgis’ historic depot building later this year. Working with the Sturgis Historical Society, Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of Sturgis, the Newell and Grace Franks Fund is offering grant funds for the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved the sheriff department’s request to submit a Marine Safety Program grant application. The request is for more than $65,000 through state and federal sources, and allows the department to continue to man its seasonal Marine Patrol division in 2014. If approved, the grant would fund the services of one full-time …

The Constantine Village Council is looking for a new member, as Bob Brewer tendered his resignation at Monday’s council meeting. Brewer, a former police chief in the village, cited personal reasons for the resignation, which is effective April 1. Village manager Mark Honeysett said vacancies in elected office are to be filled by council appointment. Clerk Cindy LaFluer expressed an …

Melissa Gail Wolf, age 46, of Centreville, passed away Monday, Jan. 20, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. She was born July 15, 1967, in Sturgis, a daughter of Billie Guy and Faye (Eichorn) Kerschner. Melissa was a lifelong resident of the Sturgis and Centreville area. On Dec. 5, 1988, she married John Wolf in LaGrange, Ind. Melissa was …

Alberta M. Dowty, age 96, of Brighton, and formerly of Sturgis passed away peacefully late Friday afternoon, Jan. 17, 2014, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born Nov. 12, 1917, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Bert and Isabell (Porter) Parker, longtime First Presbyterian Church members. Mrs. Dowty resided nearly her entire life in Sturgis, moving …

A job fair for people considering work in the manufacturing industry will take place Wednesday, January 29th in Three Rivers. Hosted by Michigan Works, the event features employers looking to fill positions in the fields of customer service, logistics, engineering, warehouse work and machinists. American Axle and Manufacturing Co. will be one of the employers on hand. Prospective participants must …