News

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 …

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, …

Plans are moving forward for an Indiana Michigan Power solar power project in southwestern Michigan. The Herald-Palladium of St. Joseph reports an estimated 50,000 solar panels are planned for a 35-acre site in Berrien County’s Watervliet Township. Plans call for it to generate enough electricity to power an average of 700 homes. Local officials are reviewing a permit request for …

Two people found in a car in a creek in southwestern Michigan died from drowning. The autopsy result was announced Monday, a day after the car was found upside down in Brandywine Creek in Niles. The victims were Autumn Mehl and Steven Rough, who were last seen leaving a bar early Saturday. The road above the creek was snow-covered and …

A 15-year public servant has announced his candidacy for the Fabius Township Board of Trustees. Lucas Allen issued a press release stating his intention to run for trustee after learning current township trustee Dave Brueck and clerk Kathy McDonough are not seeking re-election. Allen said if elected, he will strive to not only fill the role of trustee in a …

An Adrian native with a Mendon connection will be the recipient of a Purple Heart medal and other honors to be presented this week by Congressman Fred Upton. World War II veteran and Portage resident John Butler, 89, will be at the center of the event at 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Community Room of the Centre Meadows Apartments in …

Three Rivers High School will host an important meeting this week for current eighth-grade students and their parents. High school staff on Tuesday will provide information on the Michigan Merit Curriculum and 9th grade scheduling options. Principal Carrie Balk said students with last names beginning with the letters A through H will meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. …