Darel E. Saxman, age 82, of Mendon, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Rose Arbor in Kalamazoo after a long illness, with his family at his side. Darel was born at home on November 29, 1940 in Leonidas, the son of Kenneth and Bessie (Dove) Saxman. Darel was employed as a pump repairman for L & S Pump …

Diane Karp, age 79, of Griffith, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023. Diane is the loving wife to the late Bernard Karp; cherished mother to Elizabeth (nee Karp) Lidster and Chris Karp; devoted grandmother to the late Joshua Lidster; fond sister to Susan Preis and the late Carol Ackerman; Aunt to many; cousin to several and special …

David Lee Kemp, age 63, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 16, 1960 in Three Rivers, the son of Robert and Nancy (Cook) Kemp. David served as a mechanic and transportation director for Mendon Schools over a tenure spanning a quarter century. On September 19, 1980 …

Vickie Jo Yoder, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, April 17, 2023 at her home. She was born July 24, 1951 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Dale and Margaret (Kinsey) Allen. Vickie was a lifelong Sturgis resident. She was first married to Charles Douglas Wallace. He preceded her in death. On November 1, 1973 she married Russell Yoder …

Ruth Evita Bontrager, age 74, of Grass Lake, Michigan and a former longtime resident of St. Joseph County, passed away on March 24, 2023 in Grass Lake. She was born March 19, 1949 in Petoskey, daughter of the late Harold and Elaine (Lance) Tobias. Ruth resided most of her life in the Centreville, Sturgis and Colon area, moving to Grass …

A 54-year-old Three Rivers resident was arrested this week for allegedly making a threat against Three Rivers Middle School. Authorities said James Roberts was charged with making a false report or threat of terrorism after allegedly calling in a threat against the school Friday. Roberts was arraigned Tuesday; bond was set at $250,000. If convicted, Roberts could face up to …

A Sturgis woman was arrested on drug- and weapon-related charges following a traffic stop in Fawn River Township. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said the vehicle was stopped shortly after 11 p.m. Monday near the intersection of Fawn River Road and Lakeview Road Sturgis K-9 officer Odin was deployed and reacted to the presence of narcotics. Deputies arrested a 30-year-old woman, authorities …

St. Joseph County United Way has announced it has created a new account on Twitter. Executive director Kelly Hostetler said Twitter is one of the main ways the Centreville-based agency advertises events, information and details related to causes supported by the United Way. Its Twitter account is: @SJCUWay.

“Sturgis – Make It Home” is a free ministry offered by Radiant Life Church and offers free distributions of household items monthly. Items are distributed noon to 2 p.m. the first Friday of the month or by appointment. A referral is required and can be obtained from any church or local organization, such as Hope United, United Way and Salvation …

Janet Gay Swartzentruber, age 87, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at her home. She was born December 13, 1935 in Daughter of the late Glen and Bernice (Brockway) Hesher. Mrs. Swartzentruber resided in Sturgis since 1972 coming from Arkansas. On October 8, 1955 she married David William Swartzentruber in Howe, Indiana. She retired from Ross Laboratories in …