Lowell Jack Comstock, age 75, of rural Mendon died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2014 at his home following a one-year illness. He was born In Kalamazoo, MI on Aug. 21, 1938 the son of the late Lowell and Leona (Shively) Comstock. Jack graduated from Mattawan High School with the class of 1956. He served in the U.S. Army as a radio …

A Sturgis resident has been awarded the honor of Citizen Corps Coordinator of the Year. Sturgis Police Deputy Chief David Ives said Jim Cook, a retired CAD instructor from Glen Oaks Community College, was selected from nominations across the state. He was presented a plaque during a recent meeting of the 5th District Homeland Security in Kalamazoo. Cook heads the …

A Sturgis-based business was awarded a 12-year tax abatement this week by members of the city commission. Midwest Plastics Engineering Inc. on Wednesday was granted the abatement for an investment in new equipment. The addition will help retain 40 jobs at the facility and create 10 new positions, company officials said. It is investing more than $190,000 in four injection-mold …

Officials plan to test about 300 students and staff at Kalamazoo Central High School after a male student was found to have tuberculosis. Testing will begin Monday. Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services official Linda Vail says the chances that others at the school contracted tuberculosis are “very, very slim.” Public schools Superintendent Michael Rice says staff members were told …

A half-dozen female students have been arrested following a fight at a Kalamazoo high school. Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Michael Rice says “six girls got into a fight and wouldn’t stop.” Loy Norrix High School has a police liaison officer. Rice says Kalamazoo city police also were needed to help break up the Thursday morning skirmish.  (AP)

Barbara J. Stanton, 71, of Jones, MI, passed away at 4:50 a.m. On Monday, February 10, 2014 at Elkhart General Hospital. She was born on January 9, 1943 in Springfield, IL, to the late Frank and Catherine (Stone) Smith. On January 11, 1964 in New Berlin, IL, she married William Stanton Sr., who survives. Also surviving are: 3 sons, Lance …

Good Afternoon. My name is Sweet Pea and that is a very good name for me because I am very sweet. I am a female, brown and white shepherd mix, about 2 years old. If you offer me a treat I will shake your hand, sit and sometimes even lie down. I am pretty calm and not a real high …

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority was named one of three recipients statewide in a competition staged by the Michigan Main Street program. DDA Director Christy Trammell was notified Tuesday that the community was accepted into the Select Level of the program, which is overseen by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Trammell said the Michigan Main Street program is …

State Rep. Matt Lori has announced the St. Joseph County Grange Fair will receive a $20,000 state grant to put a new roof on the show arena at the fairgrounds. The county is participating in the County Fairs Capital Improvement Program, which provides Michigan’s county fairs with funds for proposed enhancements to fairgrounds across the state. Lori said considering nearly …

Jewelry and a .22-caliber handgun were reported stolen from a residence in Park Township earlier this week. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were called Tuesday to a residence in the 55000 block of Wilbur Road after the owner discovered the break-in around 4 p.m. Access was gained through forced entry.