Kirk F. Mitchell, age 50, of Marcellus, MI passed away Sunday, February 7, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born May 14, 1965 in Cook County, IL the son of Fred C. and Irene F. (Chval) Mitchell. On June 23, 1984 in Lawton, MI he married Amy J. Haas who survives. Kirk served in the U.S. Army …

Eight arrests were made last week in a series of parole- and probation-compliance checks. The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit assisted the Michigan Department of Corrections in conducting the checks Thursday. In all, five residences throughout the county were searched, resulting in the eight arrests. Sheriff’s department officials said arrests were made at locations in Sturgis and White Pigeon …

Three Rivers Wastewater Treatment Plant personnel have reported another sanitary sewer overflow from a village of Constantine air-release valve last week along U.S. 131. The incident Thursday night was the second such occurrence over a two-day period. The latest situation took place about a quarter-mile south of Withers Road, along the west side of the highway. St. Joseph County Central …

St. Joseph County’s commitment to a river trail plan is now fully implemented, as county commissioners last week approved the third of the three-phase process. In summary, the third phase emphasizes marketing. The target of marketing efforts will be Chicago adults between 45 and 70 years of age, with middle to high income. The target group will be encouraged to …

The project to bring sanitary sewer and water service to a county park in Fawn River Township moved another step forward last week. During Tuesday’s county commission meeting, commissioners approved Elkhart-based Jones Petrie Rafinski for engineering-related services centering on extending the utility services to all 43 campsites at Cade Lake Park and Campground. As part of its work, Jones Petrie …

KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo Wings (19-20-4-1) celebrated Hockey Heritage Week in style this weekend. After a week long celebration for the ECHL which was headlined by a two-day visit from the Stanley Cup, ECHL Hall of Fame Induction, K-Wing Alumni Night and other activties, the K-Wings managed to squeeze in two games against the North Division leading Toledo Walleye. …

Christopher Keith Wells, age 33, died Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016, in a motor vehicle accident in Colon Township. He was born in Athens, Ohio, on April 11, 1983, the son of Louis David Wells and Linda (Sult) Mason. He attended Marcellus High School where he later earned his G.E.D. Christopher was a loving son who was always willing to help …

Darry J. Duncan, 59, of Florence Township, Constantine, Mich., passed away on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016, at his home following an extended illness. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

Gary Alan Gamache, age 69, of rural Three Rivers, died Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 following a long illness. He was born in Ashland, WI on Sep. 8, 1946 the son of Alcidis and Nedra (Taylor) Gamache, and attended Catholic schools in Wisconsin. He was a graduate of Kalamazoo Loy Norrix High School and then served in the U.S. Army. He …

Sharla M. Swartz, age 70, of Marcellus, MI passed away Friday, February 5, 2016. She was born February 22, 1945 in Three Rivers, MI, the daughter of Valentine and Nonabelle Beadle. On December 9, 1967 she married Roger Swartz and he survives. Sharla graduated from Watersmeet High School in 1962. She was a 4-H member and learned to sew many …