National Honors Society members at Mendon High School last week continued a tradition that took a break last year. High school principal Robert Kretschman said the district has had a long-standing tradition in the annual community cleanup. Kretschman said the district had 21 kids downtown and about a dozen who worked around the district’s schools. Kretschman, who is finishing his …

The Parent Advisory Council of St. Joseph County has announced its annual winners for school personnel recognized for various categories. PAC is a group of parents whose children receive special education services in diagnostic categories in districts throughout the county. This year’s winners were: Erin Speer of the St. Joseph County Intermediate School District for ancillary staff person of the …

A longtime performer at Abbott’s Magic Get-Together has opened the newest magic shop in Colon, and its first of what will be weekly stage shows takes place Saturday. Duane Laflin, who has enjoyed long-running shows in Branson, Mo., and Pigeon Forge, Tenn., recently finished renovating two-thirds of the former Magic City Hardware, turning it into a shop and stage/performance area. …

Robert “Rob” Leon Norton, age 55, of Sturgis, and formerly of LaPorte, IN passed away Saturday evening, May 22, 2021 at Sturgis Hospital. He was born March 14, 1966 in LaPorte, a son to James Norton and Jean (Smith) Cannan Rob was a 1984 graduate of LaPorte High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Indiana …

Jerry Ray Melchi, age 72, of Kalamazoo, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at his home. He was born Aug. 31, 1948 in White Pigeon to Chester and Lilian (Whisler) Melchi. Jerry graduated from White Pigeon High School and received his Tool & Die certification from Glen Oaks Community College. He had been a resident of the Sturgis area most …

Donald L. Houser, age 84, of Sturgis, moved on peacefully to his eternal home on Friday, May 21, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born October 7, 1936, in Buhl, Idaho to Jay and Florence (Roth) Houser. He grew up in Filer and Twin Falls, ID. He served in Volunteer Service at Heston College in Heston, Kansas for 2 …

Jean Marie Klein, age 52, of rural Mendon, died Monday, May 17, 2021 at her home. She was born in Battle Creek on Dec. 14, 1968 the youngest of fourteen children born to Vincent E. and Henrietta C. (Pluester) Klein. Born with special needs, God carefully chose a wonderful, loving family to raise her. She attended the Pathfinder Educational Center …

Bernard “Skip” Leon Nisonger, age 87, of Three Rivers, passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at home. He was born March 4, 1934 in Three Rivers, the son of Leon and E. Bernice (Simon) Nisonger. He was a graduate of Three Rivers High School where he was part of the basketball team. Drafted into the Army, he served in the …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday loosened COVID-19 workplace safety rules so fully vaccinated employees can go without a mask and disregard distancing requirements. Industry-specific regulations were rescinded. Restaurants and bars, for instance, can reopen pool tables and dance floors. Cleaning standards were softened. As expected, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration also lifted a requirement that employers prohibit …

Next Monday, May 31, is Memorial Day. We should all show our pride and fly the American flag everyday, but if you don’t, you should do so especially on Memorial Day. It is a day we pay tribute to those men and women of our Armed Forces who have paid the ultimate price for their country. If you do fly …