Pfizer announced a $750 million project Monday toward expanding capacity at the western Michigan pharmaceutical plant where the company first mass produced its COVID-19 vaccine. Company officials said the project will boost the plant’s manufacturing of sterile injectable medications and could lead to 300 new jobs at the Portage plant near Kalamazoo that now has about 3,000 workers. Pfizer executive David …

Barbara G. Wilder, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully late Sunday evening, December 4, 2022 at her home surrounded by her family. She was born August 6, 1941 in Midland County daughter of the late Earl and Maude (Anthony) Seeley. Barb resided in Sturgis since 1959 coming from Sheperd, Michigan. In 1962, she married Hurshel Wilder and together they …

Ted R. Smith, age 67, of Constantine, died on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at his home following a long illness. He was born June 26, 1955 in North Judson, Indiana, a son of Edward and Dallas (Stacey) Smith. Ted attended North Judson High School and served in the US Army. On January 30, 2009 he married Rebecca Bittner in Centreville. …

Madilyn R. Mast, age 95, of Constantine, formerly of Beaverton, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2022 at her home. She was born April 27, 1927 in Ithaca, MI, daughter of Merril and Hazel (Griner) Hunter. Madilyn graduated from Midland High School in 1945, achieving a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education with a minor in English from Michigan State University in …

Frederick “Fred” G. Schwartz, age 75, of Sturgis, passed on to Heaven on Saturday, December 3, 2022. He was born on July 23, 1947 in Sturgis, a son of John and Katie (Wickey) Schwartz. Fred attended Nottawa and Centreville Schools, later receiving his GED and going to Auction School. On November 12, 1971, he married Marilyn Miller at Locust Grove …

Last Monday, November 28, we had the privilege of attending a reception for an art exhibit on display at the Flora Kirsch-Beck Art Gallery, located on the campus of Glen Oaks Community College. Titled “A Retrospective of 22 Years at The Oaks”, the exhibit featured the works of Professor Michael Northrup. The 32 piece exhibit included oil paintings, pastels, egg …

Western Michigan University alerted students to use caution Sunday following a shooting near the campus. The university issued an advisory around 4:45 a.m. to exercise caution in the area shortly after the shooting. Police found a 28-year-old Lansing resident with a gunshot wound to a shoulder after responding to a 4:20 a.m. report of shots fired. Police said the wound …

Marilyn Sue Essex, age 78, of Volinia, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 in Three Rivers. Marilyn was born in Centreville on February 16, 1944, the daughter of Bernard and Eulah (Stanard) Kahler. On March 7, 1964, at Volinia Baptist Church, she married Wayne Essex who preceded her in death on May 21, 2020. Marilyn was a telephone operator, working …

Timothy Paul Landrum, age 64, went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 2, 2022. He was born to John C Landrum, Sr, and Donna M (Shrock) Landrum on July 19, 1958 in Sturgis. Timothy graduated  in 1976 from Schoolcraft High School. On November 23, 2017, he married Cecilia Valladao Landrum in Scotts, MI. He is survived by his …

David William Middlestadt, Jr., age 55, of Marcellus, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at home. He was born in Paw Paw on January 2, 1967 the son of David Middlestadt and Nellie Faye (Allred) Middlestadt. On February 28, 1987, in Dowagiac he married Tina May (Johnson) Middlestadt who survives him in death. David was a custodian, working for many …