Barbara E. DeBack, age 94, of Colon, passed away, Jan. 27, 2013, at Sturgis Hospital. Barbara was born, June 4, 1918, in Deerfield, Mich., a daughter to the late Arthur G. and Mae (Barnaby) Starks. Barbara grew up in Adrian, Mich., graduating from Adrian High School in 1936, moving to Colon after her marriage in 1945. Barbara Married John W. …

An automotive manufacturing plant in Mendon is planning a $5.1 million expansion, which is expected to create more than 90 new jobs over the next two years. Officials from Southfield-based International Automotive Components said a 30,000-square-foot addition to the west of the current plant will allow IAC to increase the volume of its production at the Mendon site. IAC spokesman …

A Holland man sustained serious injuries after his vehicle was broadsided by a semi tractor-trailer last week in Leonidas Township. St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department officials said 53-year-old Ronald Genzink was driving south on Fulton Road when he attempted to cross M-60, but drove into the path of a southbound semi driven by a 55-year-old Granger, Ind., man. Genzink, who …

Three people at a Colon residence were arrested for drug-related charges last week. Members of the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit executed a search warrant Friday morning at a house in the 300 block of St. Joseph Street. Once inside, police discovered a methamphetamine lab and other drug paraphernalia. A 30-year-old woman and two men, ages 43 and 24, …

Members of the Sturgis Neighborhood Program have presented to city officials bids for demolition of two properties. In September, the Sturgis City Commission toured five tax-foreclosed properties, which the city had purchased in August. Based on the tour, two homes were selected for demolition. The property at 206 Jacob St. has two structures and the property at 506 E. Hatch …

Lucille R. Griffith, age 90, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away late Saturday morning, Jan. 26, 2013, at Sturgis Hospital. She was born May 24, 1922, in Rochester, New York, daughter of the late Archie and Alice (Tillman) Gibson. Lucy resided in Sturgis since 1931 coming from Rochester, New York. On June 18, 1943 she married Warren Griffith in Rochester, New …

Vern Stroup, age 63, of Three Rivers, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013. He was born in Three Rivers on May 25, 1949 the son of Roland and Ethel M. (Carter) Stroup and has been a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. Vern was first married to Janice Arnold in 1970, and they were later divorced. He …

Carlene V. Gilchrist, 85, of Colon, formerly of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013. She was born on March 25, 1927 in Three Rivers, the daughter of the late Ray R. Earl and Ora (Wordelman) Richmond. Carlene has been a life long resident of Three Rivers. She was formerly employed by Continental Can, later Weyerhaeuser, and …

Hilma M. Houts passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013 at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo. Hilma was born Jan. 30, 1916 in Fabius Township, St. Joseph County, the daughter of Elmer and Edna Pulver. She married Elmer S. Houts, Jr. on July 16, 1936 and raised five children, Lewis (Edie) Houts of Plano, Texas, Martha (Carl) Stakes of Kerrville, Texas, Mary …

Brian J. Evans of Three Rivers passed away Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013, at his home. Brian was born Dec. 4, 1972, in Edison, N.J., to Edgar and Jacqueline (Kundzala) Evans. Brian was a 1992 graduate of Lakeland High School in LaGrange, Ind. While in high school he was a star athlete in track and field and earned a scholarship to …