If you’re not busy Wednesday, February 17, between the hours of 11:30AM and 5:15 PM, you should stop by the JOCO Center, 805 Wood Street, in Three Rivers. The JOCO Center is sponsoring a blood drive, along with the American Red Cross. Stop in, give some of your blood, have some juice and a cookie, and feel great about what …

A World War II veteran from western Michigan has received medals for his service nearly 71 years after he was honorably discharged. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports 89-year-old John Butler of Portage was presented the medals by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton during a gathering with family and friends. The medals include a Purple Heart medal for wounds suffered in combat. Butler …

A documentary about World War II pilot training missions that took place on Lake Michigan is making its debut in Kalamazoo. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports “Heroes on Deck” is written, directed and produced by Kalamazoo College alumnus John Davies. It’s being shown Tuesday night at Dalton Theatre under a partnership with the school, the Kalamazoo Film Society and the Air …

Two pancake restaurants in southwestern Michigan have agreed to pay $245,000 to more than 100 employees to settle an investigation over wages, tips and overtime. A court filing shows at least one worker at Sophia’s House of Pancakes will receive $9,500. The restaurant operates in Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor. The settlement was approved Monday by Grand Rapids federal Judge Robert …

S. Jane Eicholtz, age 90, of Three Rivers, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 at New Friends Assisted Living in Kalamazoo. She was born in Akron, Indiana on Nov. 14, 1925 the daughter of Russell L. and Hazel D. (Tullis) Rader. Jane graduated from Three Rivers High School and later attended Western Michigan University. Following her marriage to Clyde Donald Eicholtz, …

Mrs. Linda Sue Schug, 61, of Marcellus, passed away suddenly on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Baldwin, MI., on Feb. 10th, 1955 the daughter of the late Eugene and Shirley (Weiborn) Nichols. Linda graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1973 and continued her education at Davenport University. She …

Ione Emma Pappas, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, at Sturgis Hospital. She was born July 30, 1932, in Chicago, a daughter of the late Gustav and Emma (Wolter) Zerbs. As a teen, Ione moved to Burr Oak, where she graduated from Burr Oak High School. She has since resided in the Burr Oak and Sturgis …

Mendon Community Schools is losing a coaching icon, as varsity football coach John Schwartz has announced his retirement. School board officials Monday accepted Schwartz’s letter of resignation. The Hornets won 10 state championships under Schwartz, who compiled a record of 274-48 in 27 years at the helm of Mendon football. A Colon High School graduate and Long Lake resident, Schwartz …

A longtime fixture in Cass County has announced he will not seek re-election later this year to another four-year term. Sheriff Joe Underwood Jr. stated in a media release he plans to retire after 40 years in law enforcement. He has served as sheriff the past 24 years. Underwood said he spent a significant amount of time weighing the decision …

Sturgis city commissioners last week reviewed a proposal for a $200,000 expansion at the Doyle Community Center. If approved, the additional funds would provide dedicated space for strength and cardio-training equipment, and open the possibility for future 24-hour access to the health site. On the table is a proposed 45- by 60-foot expansion to the northeast corner of the building, …