A federal judge on Tuesday blocked Western Michigan University from enforcing a COVID-19 vaccine requirement against four female soccer players, ruling they are likely to prevail on claims it violates their constitutional religious rights. District Judge Paul Maloney in Grand Rapids, however, denied a motion by an employee who challenged Michigan State University’s broader vaccination mandate. He issued the temporary restraining …

Kurk D. Bernheisel, age 57, of Leonidas, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Kurk was born a son to Kenneth and Alma “Jeanie” (Hochstetler) Bernheisel, on November 22, 1963, in Battle Creek. Kurk’s greatest love was watching his daughter Kendalynn play sports. Surviving Kurk is his daughter Kendalynn Bernheisel of Leonidas, mother Jeanie Berheisel of …

Doris Bernice Brubacher, age 92, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at her home. She was born July 1, 1929 in LaGrange County, IN a daughter to the late Perry and Marie (Troyer) Hostetler. Doris has been a resident of Sturgis for the past 16 years and had previously resided in Burr Oak for over 38 years. On …

State Sen. Kim LaSata on Wednesday announced L.A.’s Coffee Cafe in Three Rivers as the next recipient of her Small Business of the Month award. L.A.’s Coffee Cafe was founded in 2000 by Leslie, Jerry and Aimee Robbins. The family opened up shop in an old pump house above the Rocky River, and their business has grown into a staple of the …

Marelee Ann Hawver, age 73, passed away on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation, Three Rivers.  Marelee was born in Sturgis on January 12, 1948, a daughter of Clarence and Inez Pauline (Maxwell) Maystead.  She attended Burr Oak and Sturgis Schools, graduating in 1966.  On June 10th, 1967, she married Donald Hawver; they were later divorced.  Marelee …

Susan Elaine (Waters) Smetana, age 78, of Three Rivers, went home to be with her Lord Sunday, August 29, 2021. Susan was born in Three Rivers on September 10, 1942, the daughter of Marion L. ‟Muddy‟ and Ethel C. ‟Et‟ (Wright) Waters. She attended grade school at Hoppin Elementary in Three Rivers and graduated from Three Rivers High School in …

Mary Ellen Balch, age 67, of Centreville, passed away Monday, August 30, 2021 at her home. She was born June 19, 1954 in Detroit, daughter of the late Howard Paul and June Mary (Cicotte) Reardon. Mary resided in Centreville since 1989 coming from Detroit. She was a homemaker and enjoyed going to the casinos, playing Bingo, cards and dice. She …

Jean Esther Stephenson, age 95, of Mendon, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021 at Bowman Place in Three Rivers where she had resided the past two years. She was born in Three Rivers on May 18, 1926 the daughter of Glenn G. and Alma O. (Richmond) Baldwin. Jean graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1942 and later …

Cindy Sue Plucinski, age 74, of Coldwater, formerly of Sturgis, died peacefully on Thursday, August 26, 2021. She was born June 12, 1947.  She married Richard Plucinski May 14, 1977.  After only fourteen years of marriage, he preceded her in death. Mrs. Plucinski will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. Arrangements have …

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” ~ Sir Winston Churchill A brief word to the Automotive Engineers. Thanks for all the new advances you’ve made when it comes to designing the automobiles of today. The cars and trucks are much safer than they were twenty years ago. You see more SUVs than …