Verlan G. Miller, age 76, of Colon, passed away Monday, Aug. 15, 2016, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, after a 23-year battle with cancer. Verlan was born Nov. 14, 1939, in Burr Oak, a son of the late W. Glenn and Pearl I. (Ultz) Miller. He had lived all his life in the Burr Oak and Colon area, graduating …

I am so cute, and quiet, and very sweet. Just call me “Willow”. The ladies here say I am about 7 years old. I am a tri-color beagle. One of the deputies picked me up, I had an injury but the local veterinarian treated me and I am doing well. My Docket number is B1516-000155 at the St. Joseph County …

Colon Community Schools is issuing a call-out to anyone interested in helping lend a little effort to spruce up its grounds and buildings. Superintendent Christine Barnes said the second annual “Magi Pride Days” starts today and runs through Saturday. Over the course of the three days, volunteers will be asked to help with a variety of tasks that include power-washing, …

Organizers behind a recent fundraiser to help a Wisconsin man and his family have good news to share. The seventh annual “Homes for our Troops” event Aug. 6 at the Jim and Peggy Fassett residence in Park Township raised $9,600, prompting the Fassett’s to issue a public appeal for additional funds in hopes of hitting the $10,000 mark. The request …

The St. Joseph County Conservation District is seeking volunteers to assist with its fourth river cleanup event of the season this coming weekend. Saturday’s task will focus on the Portage River, from the Portage Lake Landing on Michigan Avenue in Mendon Township to Parkville Road. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. and transportation from the end point back to the …

An annual giveaway by the St. Joseph County United Way is wrapping up for another year. The agency a week ago started its “Donut Drive” as its way of thanking county residents for their continued support. During the drive, United Way volunteers will spend a total of seven weekdays distributing donuts free of charge at major intersections between 7:30 and …

A boil-water notice for Lockport Township – the second in a one-week period – was lifted effective Wednesday afternoon. The notice was issued by Jennifer Ransbottom, director of utility management services for Jones Petrie Rafinski. She said Lockport Township Water System, in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, determined it is no longer necessary to use …

Frederick Devere Fish, age 86, died Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Fred was born in Grand Rapids, MI on Oct. 19, 1929 the son of Devere and Mary Louise (Haas) Fish. He graduated from Grand Rapids Union High School and later attended Western Michigan University. Fred served in the U.S. Army in Korea with the 703rd …

A 45-year-old Schoolcraft man was pronounced dead at the scene of a one-vehicle crash last weekend in Flowerfield Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff deputies said a truck driven by Graham Gooden was southbound in the 50000 block of Chamberlain Road around 1:30 p.m. Sunday. His truck left the road at a low rate of speed and struck a tree, investigators …

A White Pigeon man was injured in a motorcycle accident Sunday evening in Fabius Township. State police said John Benson, 69, was driving east on Gleason Road around 7 p.m. when he lost control and crashed near King Road. Benson was treated on the scene and subsequently airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital. Investigators said Benson was not wearing a helmet; …