State Rep. Aaron Miller was joined last week by two intermediate school district superintendents in testifying before the House Education Reform Committee in support of legislation to expand the scope of eligible institutions for post-secondary education for dual enrollment purposes. Miller said lawmakers’ commitment to high school dual enrollments should not be dictated by a state’s boundaries where it makes …

Linda L. McClain, 69, of Constantine, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Grace Healthcare of Three Rivers. Linda was born in Three Rivers on March 5, 1948, a daughter of Charles and Betty Jean (Young) McClain. She graduated from Constantine High School in 1966 and later went to beauty school. Linda loved dogs, cats, and birds, and attended …

Western Michigan University is planning to replace 12 residence halls on campus. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that university officials sought input from students and faculty Thursday on what to include in the new residence halls. The forum was the first of three meetings the project’s design and planning team will hold. Students asked for amenities such as recreational rooms, computer …

Dale E. Velie, age 86, of rural Mendon, died Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek. He was born in Centreville, on May 11, 1931 the son of Samuel and Effie (Mellivan) Velie and has been a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. He received his high school diploma from Centreville High School. Dale was …

Logan G. Lamons, age 27, of Marcellus, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, September 14, 2017. He was born June 21, 1990 in Dowagiac, the son of Debora N. (Eggleston) Lamons and Mitchell Glenn Lamons. Logan loved his family dearly and enjoyed all kinds of music. He was a social person and just enjoyed being around people. He would help anyone in …

Lawrence B. Watson DVM, age 101, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away Sept. 6, 2017, at Lakeland Regional Health, following a brief illness. He was born July 23, 1916, in Adams County, Ind., a son of the late Lawrence E. and Margaret J. (Dunwiddie) Watson. Lawrence lived most of his life in southern Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State College of …

Kathryn “Katie” L. Trattles, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Lagrange, IN., on September 3, 1928 the daughter of the late Walter “Pete” and Esther (Grate) Randol-Denison. Katie graduated from Salem Center High School in Indiana in 1946. On June 12, 1954 she was united in marriage …

A 27-year-old Marcellus man died Thursday morning after he was struck by a freight train at a crossing in the village of Marcellus. Cass County Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 10:30 a.m. Thursday to the crossing at the east end of town. Deputies arrived to find Logan Lamons deceased. According to witnesses, Lamons was walking on the …

The 167th St. Joseph County Grange Fair starts its seven-day run Sunday with a full slate of events and activities. “Family Day” will begin with antique tractor pulls at 8 a.m. in the grandstand infield. Other morning activities include 4-H horse and rabbit shows, church services at 9:30 and 11 a.m., and the midway opens at noon. Farm truck pulls …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wishes to inform the public that a horse in St. Joseph County has tested positive for West Nile Virus. The agency was notified after the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the condition. The equine is one of 13 in the state to test positive for the mosquito-borne disease. Health officials said …