A 350-pound black bear that perched for hours in a tree, causing a Mother’s Day spectacle last spring in northern Michigan, was killed by a hunter, authorities said. “It makes me sad, because I was just envisioning it living peacefully in the forest somewhere, thriving as a bear does,” said Ashlea Walter, who was among dozens of people who watched in May …

Josephine Mary “Josie” Schultz, age 74, of Marcellus, died Wednesday, January 17, 2024. Her life began November 22, 1949 in Chicago, the younger of two children born to Daniel and Josephine Schultz. Josie was a good-hearted person.  She loved animals and it didn’t matter what kind.  She was an avid reader, and enjoyed reading anything she could get her hands …

When is it going to warm up.  All of us here can only stand to be out 5 minutes or so.  Please come adopt me.  I am “ACE”, a black and white lab/mix, male, about 10 months old.  I am housetrained, I get along with other dogs and kids.  Being a puppy I still need some training.  I love to …

A Lockport Township man who braved freezing waters to help a 22-month-old boy from a partially submerged car last week in the Portage River was commended Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman, Capt. T.J. Baker and Deputy Nathan Hewitt recognized Paul Leverance for his quick and heroic action Jan. 18 at the South Fisher Lake …

Constantine Village Manager Mark Honeysett said a boil-water advisory for a portion of the municipality has been lifted. Honeysett said three different samples were collected between Monday and Tuesday. After the samples were analyzed and returned negative for contamination, it was determined the boil-water advisory was no longer necessary. The advisory was issued following a water-main break that occurred late …

Two people have been charged following their arraignment last week. Colon resident Nathaniel Parsons, 43, and 44-year-old Jaclyn Gsell, of Mendon, were arrested, arraigned and released on bond Friday following the execution of a search warrant at 730 East State St. in Colon. According to Michigan State Police Detective Sgt. Matt Berry, troopers, the MSP Emergency Support Team and members …

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called for increased investments in education through initiatives such as free community college for all high school graduates and free preschool for 4-year-olds in a State of the State speech Wednesday night focused on cutting costs for residents. The second-term Democratic governor’s speech preceded a legislative session that may require lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to …

Joan Marlene (Neal) Burkett, age 92, of Mendon, died Monday, January 22, 2024 at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. She was born in Kalamazoo on January 7, 1932 the daughter of Samuel Wesley Neal and Helen Z. (Wallus) Neal. She graduated from Mendon High School with the class of 1950 and later was certified as a Nurse’s Aide. Joan …

Douglas E. and Shirley J. Lockwood of White Pigeon are now together forever. Both passed away at Skaggs Assisted Living in Burr Oak: Douglas on October 21, 2023 at the age of 88, and Shirley on January 20, 2024 at the age of 89. Douglas was born February 16, 1935 in Three Rivers, the son of Fred and Myrtle (Parker) Lockwood, …

Brett Eric Pointer, age 55, of Niles, died peacefully Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Corwell Health in St. Joseph, Michigan. His life began May 15, 1968 in Niles, the sixth of six children born to Denver Kenneth and Barbara Ann (Gilchrist) Pointer. Brett will be greatly missed by family and friends.  He is survived by two sisters, Lisa (Dave) Seidner …