New coronavirus cases rose 57 percent in Michigan in the week ending Aug. 8. In all, 7,495 cases were reported statewide. St. Joseph County reported 46 cases and one death in the latest week. A week earlier, it had reported 39 cases and one death. Throughout the pandemic, it has confirmed 6,373 cases and 104 deaths. St. Joseph County’s vaccination rate is …

St. Joseph County Association of Realtors has named Jennifer Koski as its 2021 “Realtor of the Year.” The award is given in recognition of outstanding commitment and service to the community and the real estate industry. Award-winners are chosen by their peers and recognized both locally and at the state level by the Michigan Realtors. Nominees are evaluated on their …

Ronald A. Carnell, age 71, of Colon, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family. Ron was born on January 24, 1950, in Battle Creek, a son of the late Bud and Betty (Lowe) Carnell. Ron grew up in Battle Creek and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. Eventually Ron would move to California. …

Harry Walter Stevens, age 38, of Mottville, died on Sunday, August 8, 2021 and was born on March 23, 1983. Survived by his Mother Elizabeth (Lisa) Stevens, 3 Sisters Rachael Bunnell, Angela Stowaway, and Hillary Lowery. 2 Brothers Johnnie Stevens and Tom Stevens. Niece Jessica Pelfrey and a Nephew Robert Bunnell. Preceded by His Father Robert Lee Stevens. Celebration of …

Mary E Maurer, age 60, of White Pigeon, died on Friday, August 6, 2021. Arrangements by Farrand Funeral Home.

The remains of a World War II pilot from Lansing who died in 1943 when the military aircraft he was flying crashed during combat over New Guinea have been laid to rest next to his parents. U.S. Army Air Force First Lt. Robert Parker’s remains were buried Monday at Deepdale Memorial Cemetery, with many of his nieces and nephews and …

Jacqueline Mary Kafka, age 60, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home in Fabius Township late Saturday, August 7, 2021.  She was born on June 9th, 1961 in Three Rivers, the daughter of the late Charles and Joan (Binder) Johnson. Jacqueline has been a Three Rivers resident her entire life.  She graduated from Three Rivers Schools and later …

Carol Lee (Wolk) McPherson, age 75, of Sturgis, went to be with the Lord after her courageous battle with cancer on Sunday, August 8, 2021, surrounded by family and friends. Carol was born on January 4, 1946 in Chicago to Willard and Eleanor (Stiehl) Wolk.  She received her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1968.  Carol …

Joan Laura Bard, age 87, of Marcellus, passed away at Three Rivers Health on Saturday, August 7, 2021. On October 10, 1933, Joan was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, to Edward and Sadie Hirschman. Later, in November of 1951, she married her husband Douglas Bard in the same city. For many years, Joan worked as an office manager in a …

Dorothy Viola Strayer, age 67, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at the Edgewood Health and Rehabilitation Nursing Home following an extended battle with dementia. She was born Jan. 20, 1954, in Alma, MI, the daughter of Henry and Betsy Strayer. She was a proud and hard working woman. She worked many different jobs throughout her …