Just call me Boone.  I am about ten months old, a male.  I’m just a puppy with a lot of energy, but I am learning sit.  I would like someone who would work with me as I am so interested in learning new things.  I am still learning leash manners.  I have the sweetest look and will love a new …

Sturgis Public Schools Board of Education has reached a contract agreement with Art Ebert, incoming superintendent. During Monday’s board meeting, its members voted unanimously to approve Ebert’s contract. Board president Ann Bird said the sides agreed to a three-year contract, similar in total to the amount that was paid in the last contract for recently-retired Tom Langdon. His last 12-month …

June M. Culp, age 91, of Cape Coral, Fla., formerly of Constantine, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at her home. She was born Oct. 12, 1926, in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Neil and Florence (Taylor) Locey. June attended school in Mendon. On Nov. 8, 1943, she married Kenneth Culp in Mendon. June spent years traveling with Ken while …

State Rep. Kim LaSata announced Tuesday she has filed paperwork to be a candidate for the 21st State Senate district in the 2018 election. LaSata, a Republican from the Berrien County community of Bainbridge, hopes to replace Sen. John Proos, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits. The 21st Senate District encompasses St. Joseph, Cass and Berrien counties. LaSata …

State police investigators out of the Coldwater detachment are looking into an explosion earlier this week in Branch County’s Sherwood Township. The incident occurred at 9:50 p.m. Monday inside a dumpster in the 100 block of Oliverda Drive. Authorities said the explosion was heard up to half a mile away and scattered debris more than 60 feet out of the …

The Michigan Department of Transportation Adopt-A-Highway program will kick off its 2018 season across the state beginning this weekend, concluding April 22. Volunteers pick up litter three times a year. The next two pickups will be July 14 to 22 and Sept. 22 to 30. The AAH program began in Michigan in 1990. Today, more than 2,800 groups have adopted …

Authorities who have searched a southwestern Michigan river for a missing kayaker since February say they’ve found a body. The Berrien County Sheriff’s Office says the body of a male was found Tuesday in Watervliet Township in the Paw Paw River. A statement says the body wasn’t immediately identified, but notes the search for the kayaker lasted more than 40 …

Douglas W. Miller, age 61, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday evening, March 24, 2018, at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. He was born Oct. 20, 1956, in Sturgis, a son of the late Roy and Violet (Hughes) Miller. Doug resided most of his life in the Sturgis area. He had been employed by the city of Sturgis in the …

Removal of a southwestern Michigan park fountain that some say celebrates white supremacy is expected in the coming weeks. Kalamazoo officials say the Fountain of the Pioneers in Bronson Park will be dismantled and stored until a decision is made on where to relocate it. Last month, the city commission ordered the monument removed. The fountain was completed in 1940 …

Joellene Ann Bates, age 78, of White Pigeon, passed into the final season of her life on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. She experienced the true love of life and a natural final journey while God called her home. Joellene was born Feb. 23, 1940, to Lawrence and Helen (Armstrong) Pettit in Elkhart. She was preceeded in death by a daughter, …