The Michigan House this week approved State Rep. Aaron Miller’s bill protecting surviving spouses from penalties related to the state’s pension tax. Miller said the goal is to make sure a surviving spouse is not burdened with higher taxes when their older partner passes away. He said it’s the right thing to do so seniors aren’t saddled with higher and …

Colon’s municipal officials are reconsidering a plan to sell a piece of village-owned property on which a Dollar General would like to develop a store. During a village council special meeting Tuesday, nearly a dozen people urged the seven-member panel to table the matter and hold off on selling the parcel at 210 W. South St., referred to as “the …

The Schoolcraft Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect and vehicle in a larceny from a local business. Chief Bryan Campbell said the incident occurred at 12:10 p.m. Friday in the 400 block of East Lyon Street, where a white male, described as being in his mid-40s to early 50s, entered the business. There was …

St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners on Tuesday approved a letter of understanding that will allow it to offer severance packages to employees expected to be laid off. County administrator Teresa Doehring said the county’s financial situation warrants a look at every possible option it can exercise to save money. She said the 2018 budget was approved with a $1.6 million gap. …

Students of school districts along state borders will have more dual enrollment education options after Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed into law legislation by State Rep. Aaron Miller. The new law amends the Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act with the stipulation that the out-of-state post-secondary education and dual enrollment school must be within 20 miles of the shared border for students …

Harriett F. Rowlson, age 80, of rural Colon, passed away at the Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. Harriett was born Nov. 28, 1937, in Hillsdale, a daughter of the late Basil and Lucille (Clark) Van Wormer. She had made her home in the Colon area for most of her life and had worked for Colmer Company from 1966 …

Shirley Ann Hale, age 82, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, February 5, 2018 at Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart. She was born on August 2, 1935 in Albion, IN. She attended schools in Elkhart. On December 24, 1952, Shirley married Edward Hale in Elkhart. He preceded her in death December 27, 1992. Shirley enjoyed reading, crochet, bingo, sewing, …

Marinda Kay Tullos, age 67, of Burr Oak, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at her home. She was born Dec. 5, 1950, a daughter of the late Ray O. and Grace Marguerite (Haney) Bauder. Marinda resided in the Burr Oak and Sturgis area most of her life. She was a homemaker and enjoyed playing cards and watching television and …

I’m not sure how many young folks read this column, but I’d like to offer some pointers to those who do and are looking for a job. I’ve been retired for several years, so it’s been a long time since I’ve applied for any type of employment. During my working years, I’ve held more than a couple of jobs. I …

A 29-year-old White Pigeon man is in the St. Joseph County Jail after fleeing from police late Friday night. White Pigeon police attempted to stop a vehicle at U.S. 12 and U.S. 131 for a traffic violation. The driver refused to stop and drove from the crossroads at a high rate of speed. The chase ended when the vehicle rolled …