Volunteers from Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan coordinated a dog food distribution that netted about 22,000 pounds of food last month in Sturgis. The food was provided through a cooperative effort with Paws Illinois NFP, based in Bridgeview, Ill. NFP has partnered with Natural Balance Pet Foods to support shelters and rescue groups with pets in need of quality, low-price …

The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre is working to raise $5.1 million for improvements including replacing roofs and carpeting as well as installing new lighting and sound equipment. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports the community theater has already raised $3.8 million from foundations and other donors for The Art of Enriching Lives campaign. At an event Tuesday, officials announced they’re broadening the fundraising …

Marcos Dario “Booboo” Andaverde, age 45, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, at Sturgis Hospital. He was born April 5, 1970, in Sturgis, a son of Librado and Nicolasa (Tejada) Andaverde Sr. Marcos had resided in Sturgis his entire life. He graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1988. He loved spending time with his family …

Thelma (Seager) Coghlin passed in the comfort of her home in Saugatuck, surrounded by love, tenderness, music, laughter and light. Thelma grew up in Shrewsbury, Mass. where she was an honors student and member of the Dramatics Club, Debate Team, Forensic League, Yearbook Staff, and the undefeated Field Hockey Team. She and her husband, Fitzmaurice Coghlin Jr., moved to Three …

Kenneth Eugene Newton II, age 33 of Sturgis died Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Berrien Springs, MI on April 19, 1982 the son of Kenneth E. and Susan (Thomas) Newton, Sr. and has been a lifetime resident of Southwest Michigan. He graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 2000. …

Hi. My name is Olivia and I am a pretty tabby calico with short hair. I’m about 5 years old and am a sweet little lady. I’m your perfect kitty because I am already spayed and my front paws are declawed. I am very friendly and love to rub my head against your hand so you will pat me. I …

Hoppin Elementary School Principal John Klein announced Monday he is resigning immediately in order to tend to his health. District officials said Klein discussed the situation during Monday’s board of education meeting. Klein, who is in his fifth year as principal at the Three Rivers elementary school, spoke highly of its staff and the district’s administrators, and said he agonized …

Driving too fast for conditions was determined to be a factor in a two-vehicle crash last week in Cass County’s Newburg Township. Sheriff Joe Underwood said deputies were called shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday to the intersection of Lewis Lake and Brownsville roads. Investigators concluded a car driven by 22-year-old Elkhart resident Christine Rossi was driving south on Lewis Lake …

The Sturgis Area and Three Rivers Area chambers of commerce will be hosting a presentation about a trip to Italy they are sponsoring later this year. The trip to Pompeii and Amalfi will take place Oct. 20-27 and cost $2,650 if booked by March 15. The informational presentation takes place at 5:30 tonight at the Dresser Business Center at Glen …

A group of 11 people have appealed their firings by the Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital over the treatment of a patient. State of Michigan Freedom of Information Act assistant coordinator Rick Hamm tells the Kalamazoo Gazette in a FOIA request that the ex-employees are waiting to have their cases heard. An investigation found dozens of staff members either abused the patient …