WHEELING, WV – The Kalamazoo Wings (7-10-0-1) ended their six-game losing skid last Tuesday night with a victory over the Wheeling Nailers. Now, the K-Wings find themselves on a three-game winning streak after winning both of their games this past weekend. On Friday night, the K-Wings traveled to Reading, PA, to take on the Royals in their one and only …

October’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County was one-tenth of a percent higher than the previous month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed the county’s 3.3 percent October unemployment rate marked an increase from September’s 3.2 percent. St. Joseph County was below the state unemployment average, which was 3.8 percent in October. …

Members of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County Board have agreed to extend the contract of the agency’s chief executive officer. During their monthly meeting this week, the board approved extending for 12 months the contract of Kristine Kirsch. Her current contract expired this week. Board members said Kirsch underwent a job evaluation in …

Ten area families took part in last week’s national “Adoption Day” during fanfare at St. Joseph County Probate Court. Judge David Tomlinson, who presided over the event, explained that the Nov. 20 ceremony also marked the 16th annual Michigan Adoption Day. He said the celebrations spotlight the joys of adoption and encourage more families to provide children with permanency through adoption. …

Sturgis Hospital CEO Rob LaBarge announced Thursday that 60 positions will be eliminated starting Monday due to financial struggles the hospital has experienced the past 18 months. A reorganization plan to be implemented next week includes the closing of the hospital’s obstetric services, its Oncology Treatment Center and the discontinuation of hospice services. There will also be a reduction of …

Jerry Keyser, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at Sturgis Hospital. He was born Nov. 25, 1939, in North Liberty, Ind., a son of the late Kenneth A. and Sarah Elizabeth (Robinson) Keyser. Jerry moved to Sturgis in 1954, coming from Plymouth, Ind., and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of …

Shirley M. Davis, age 86, formerly of Mendon died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at Medilodge Westwood in Kalamazoo. She was born in Los Angeles, on April 17, 1932 the daughter of the late Oscar Eugene Smith and Evelyn Isabelle (Clark) Smith. She was married to Alyn E. Davis on May 6, 1956. They resided in Riverside, California before moving to …

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers is conducting a unique fundraiser, with proceeds going toward its dog ministry. Comfort dog Jude is featured on every monthly page of a 12-month calendar for sale by the church. The golden retriever has been used by the church in several capacities, and proceeds from the sale of the calendars will help offset …

Here’s a reminder that Saturday is the deadline for nominations for the 2018-19 John E. Oster Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and community service by a Sturgis Public Schools teacher. The award is in honor of the late John Oster, a Sturgis attorney who placed high value on education and community service. This will be the 38th award given annually …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has agreed to send a letter to the St. Joseph County Commission and recommend the reappointment of road commission vice chairman Richard Anderson. Anderson, a Park Township resident, was re-appointed to the road commission in 2012; his term expires Dec. 31. Anderson retired from American Axle & Manufacturing in Three Rivers, and previously had …