Lavina Jane Ankney, age 63, of Sturgis, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at Three Rivers Health. She was born November 14, 1958 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Paul “Bud” and Alice (Maystead) Ankney. Jane resided her whole life in the Sturgis and Burr Oak area and was a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class …

Like many others my age, I find myself find it difficult to remember certain things. For instance, remembering what I had for lunch two days ago takes some serious thinking, trying to recall someone’s name happens more frequently. I try my best to do things to keep my mind sharp, like working crossword puzzles, or playing games that require paying …

Due to a staffing issue and substitute shortage, Colon Community Schools has announced it will move to virtual learning starting today and continuing through Wednesday next week. District officials said classes will resume face-to-face instruction Nov. 29. Teachers this week have been preparing one-to-one technology and students for the move to distance learning. Attendance remains mandatory and will be taken. …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the theft of a dump trailer taken earlier this month from a location in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred between 5 p.m. Nov. 8 and 5:30 p.m. Nov. 10 in the 69000 block of Huff Road. The stolen trailer is a 2009 Quality Steel brand, dual-axel bearing Michigan registration plate B998437. The trailer …

Shipshewana will once again become home to more than two million LED Christmas lights displayed in a mile-and-a-half long symphony this Christmas season. Shipshewana’s Lights of Joy, a drive-through experience, will begin its fourth season this weekend, opening Friday and available again Saturday. The spectacle will also be open every Tuesday thru Sunday, from Nov. 26 through Dec. 31. Lights …

Citing concerns over the leadership in Lansing and the direction of our state, local businessman Scott McGraw has announced his candidacy for state house in St. Joseph and Cass counties. McGraw, a Republican, is the current Sixth District chairman and formerly the Kalamazoo County chairman. “As a small business owner, I have felt the squeeze of government on companies … …

Janet Stambaugh, age 72, of Constantine, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at her home.  Janet was born in Sturgis on November 23, 1948, a daughter of Dick and Helen (Graham) Boals.  She attended Sturgis High School. She was a caregiver, and enjoyed taking care of people and babysitting.  Janet was a member of Faith Finders Church in Constantine. …

Janet Driskel, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021, at home. She was born in Constantine on January 23, 1932, the daughter of Ernest Stratton and Mildred Snow. Janet was an executive secretary at Armstrong for over 30 years. Janet loved to crochet and bake, especially peanut butter fudge and seafoam. In 1948, she was the …

Ruth Ann Miller, age 41, of Centreville, passed away Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Ruth was born on September 2, 1980 in Kalamazoo, a daughter to Nealy and Emma (Miller) Yoder. Ruth was married to Elva Miller. Ruth is survived by her husband Elva Miller of Centreville, children: Uriah Miller, Jerry Lee Miller, Emma Lou …

Jean Ann Rommel, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away early Sunday afternoon, November 14, 2021 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. She was born November 11, 1948 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Homer and Virginia (Seabolt) Rommel. Jean resided her whole life in Sturgis. Jean was a graduate of Western Michigan University where she earned her teaching …