Julie Delynn Lint, age 53, of Sturgis, passed away on December 12, 2025, while being comforted by the love of her family. Julie was born on August 18, 1972 in Kalamazoo, the beloved daughter of the late Michael E. Mason and Betsy M. (Frumau) Thompson. With the passing of her Dad at the young age of 6, she was raised …

Emily JoAnn (Leeds) Shearer, born August 4, 1953, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at the age of 72. She was a woman whose hands were rarely still and whose heart was always full. A devoted member of her quilting, rug hooking, and spinning groups, she found joy and connection in creating beauty alongside …

Jacob Randall Holdeman, age 45, of Cassopolis, went home to be with his Savior, Saturday, December 27, 2025 in the comfort of his family’s presence. His life began March 2, 1980 in Goshen, Indiana the middle of three children born to John and Janell Holdeman. He married Nicole L. Mansfield August 1, 2009 in Elkhart. Jake was devoted to his …

Charles W. Watson, age 67, of Coldwater, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft Wayne. He was born March 4, 1958 in Three Rivers, a son of Olan and Doris (Krull) Watson. Charles graduated from Constantine High School in 1976 and received his Bachelor’s degree in broadcast electronic technology from Ferris State University in 1979. Charles …

The minimum-wage rate in Michigan increased by more than $1 an hour with the start of the new year. According to state officials, the standard minimum wage rose from $12.48 per hour to $13.73 an hour. The adjustment is a move to increase Michigan’s standard minimum wage to $15 an hour by next year. Any non-exempt employees must still be …

Fabius Township has renewed a contract for law-enforcement services with St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. According to Three Rivers Commercial-News, township officials agreed last month to continue the partnership for another three years. The new contract went into effect Thursday. Cost for one full-time, contracted deputy and vehicle is about $100,000 annually. That rate will increase by 5 percent next …

Sturgis municipal officials recently issued a media release detailing winter-weather procedures regarding snow removal. Following snowfall of up to three inches, crews will de-ice streets and plow as circumstances warrant. Snowfall in excess of four inches results in the declaration of a snow-removal emergency. On-street parking is prohibited citywide during a snow-removal emergency. The stipulation remains in place until a …

Pamela Kay Penninger, age 78, of Sturgis, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at Skaggs Assisted Living in Burr Oak. She was born February 3, 1947 in Elkhart, a daughter of Robert and Phyllis (Funkhouser) Hudson. Pam graduated from Jimtown High School in Elkhart. On July 25, 1970 she married John Penninger, Sr at Northside Baptist Church in Elkhart. He …

Jerry Lynn Culp of Portage, passed away on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the age of 82. Born to Edgar and Margaret Culp on October 30, 1943, he grew up on Donnell Lake in Vandalia. Jerry was inspired by a teacher in elementary school to become a teacher. After graduating from Cassopolis High School in 1962, he attended Western Michigan …

Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency officials are reporting an increase in respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses include flu and COVID-19. As a result of this recent jump in cases, CHA Medical Director Karen Luparello is advising anyone six months and older to get a flu shot. She said vaccines for flu, COVID, whooping cough and pneumonia are available at CHA offices, …