Michigan lawmakers are approving the first significant increase in hunting and fishing license fees since 1997. Legislation passed 77-32 by the Republican-led state House Wednesday raises about $20 million more, a 40 percent boost. The money would let Michigan hire more conservation officers and improve parks, trails and habitat. The measure would create a new base hunting license costing $10 …

Norman E. Collins, 76, formerly of Sturgis, died peacefully on Feb. 4, 2013 in Venice, Fla. He was born Aug. 25, 1936, in Lancaster, N.Y. Norm is survived by his wife, Anne, married 53 years; three daughters, Susan (Frank) DiLeonardo of Chicago, Lori (Craig) Wildasin of Venice, Fla. and Cynthia (Jason) Parker of Cedar Springs; six grandchildren, Tyler, Brooke and …

Phillip D. Rice, 64, of Goodyear, AZ passed away on May 31, 2013. He was born in Sturgis, MI to Marion & Elizabeth Rice of Sherwood, MI. Following graduation from Colon (MI) High School he worked for Kirsch Co. of Sturgis, MI, then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Fox for two tours of duty off the …

A Sturgis resident will be asked to clean his Klinger Lake property of construction debris and concrete blocks, following an order to be imposed by White Pigeon Township officials. With more than two dozen people attending Tuesday’s township board meeting, Supervisor Don Gloy said he will ask that Eric Pierson removes the items from his Klinger Lake Road property. In …

An 18-year-old Sturgis woman was cited for failure to yield the right of way following a two-vehicle accident Saturday in Sherman Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Katelyn Johnson was driving on Banker Street when she proceeded to cross Balk Road. Sixty-two-year-old Charles Hudson of Sturgis was driving north on Balk Road and had the right of way; …

Sturgis Public Schools athletics director Mark Adams said the district is expressing an interest in joining the Wolverine Conference athletic league. Although the concept is in its infancy, Adams said Sturgis is aware the conference is interested in adding at least one other team, with the impending departure of Comstock. A Wolverine Conference meeting is expected to take place next …

The city of Three Rivers has given special thanks to American Electric Power – Indiana Michigan Power – for its contribution to the Scidmore Park Petting Zoo Saturday programming. The city notified AEP of the community’s desire to continue quality educational programming at no cost to the public through its Saturday summer programs at the zoo. AEP is partnering with …

Kathleen Gieber, 81, of Three Rivers passed onto eternal life at home restfully with family on  June 2, 2013. Her Flesh is now her spirit. May Kathleen’s spirit live on in all whom she has touched . Kathleen was born August 3, 1931 to Leonard and Alice (Stieger) O’Connor in Detroit, Michigan. She is preceded in death by her parents …

With the passing of Memorial Day, we are officially into summer. Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 22, the gentlemen may now wear their white shoes and the ladies may wear whatever they usually wear, without fear of embarrassment. Please don’t accuse me of slamming the ladies, but I really am not aware of what the style is for …

Ernest G. Willcocks II entered into the Gates of Heaven on June 2, 2013, at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Ernie was lovingly surrounded by his wife, children, stepchildren and his michigan family who all gave thanks to God for blessing them with Ernie. Ernie was born July 10, 1946, in Cleveland, a son of Ernest G. Willcocks I and Eleanor (Depner). …