A Kalamazoo County branch of Mercury Broadband played a role in helping St. Joseph County Central Dispatch observe First Responders Day. The national acknowledgment was Saturday, but a four-person team from Mercury’s Schoolcraft location showed up during shift change Friday afternoon to express its gratitude. Mishel Northrop, sales and marketing manager for the Kalamazoo market, said St. Joseph County is …

A stronger-than-usual turnout for the fall collection of household hazardous waste Saturday resulted in some impressive numbers. Sponsored by the St. Joseph County Solid Waste Committee, the twice-a-year collection took place over a four-hour period Saturday morning at the St. Joseph County Fairgrounds. Preliminary numbers: 20,000 pounds of electronics, nearly 1,400 tires, 15,000 pounds of household hazardous waste and three-quarters …

William Earl “Bill” Harroun, age 68, of Mendon, died Sunday, October 22, 2023 at his home. He was born in Sturgis on November 26, 1954 and was the adopted son of Leonard and Kathleen “Katie” (Bower) Harroun. He attended Mendon Schools, and later enlisted in the U.S. Army. Bill assisted his father as Sexton of Mendon Cemeteries for a short …

Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport observed a special anniversary last week. Airport director Craig Williams said Avelo Airlines has served AZO for a full year. The first flight between Kalamazoo and Avelo’s Florida destination in Orlando was Oct. 26, 2022. The non-stop service between the two cities has brought affordable and convenient air travel options to Kalamazoo and Southwest Michigan, Williams …

St. Joseph County United Way is continuing a longtime tradition to benefit area residents in need of winter apparel. The Centreville agency’s annual coat drive is underway. Items in need include coats, hats, gloves and boots. New items are preferred but gently used items will be accepted. United Way officials said gently used coats can be dropped off at Ludders …

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said a Coldwater man has plead guilty to stealing money from a client of the law firm where he worked. Nessel said 63-year-old James O’Briant plead guilty last week to four counts of larceny in excess of $20,000 and two counts of failure to file taxes. O’Briant had access to the money of a 95-year-old …

Glen Oaks Community College has received national accreditation for its nursing program. Sara Birch, Glen Oaks’ dean of health sciences, received notice after more than three years of preparation, submissions and a visit from Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing evaluators. Birch said having the ACEN accreditation increases the value of the school’s program. Accreditation is for a five-year period, …

Cass County deputies are continuing their investigation into a hit-and-run incident that occurred last week in Volinia Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said the agency was notified at 5:15 p.m. Oct. 19 that a Schoolcraft man was involved in a two-vehicle crash on Marcellus Highway. Michael Winchester, 75, was traveling east and entered the intersection of Decatur Road. Authorities said a …

Crystal Marie Mattice, age 33, (Crystal Marie Algea) of Constantine, died Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at her home following a 5 year illness. She was born in Northern California on August 9, 1990. Crystal is survived by her husband Derek Robert Algea, SR; many children, Cheyenne Helsel, Danica Mattice, Tianna Montiero, Derek Robert Algea, JR, James Algea, Brooklynn Algea and …

Sturgis Public Schools officials will turn to district voters next year to restore a full 18 mills. The district’s board of education last week approved a resolution to place the supplemental millage request on the May ballot. Approval would allow the district to receive the full amount of its per-pupil foundation revenue allowance. The request will not impact district residents …