Michigan’s attorney general on Wednesday asked the state Supreme Court to overturn key decisions and extend the state’s anti-discrimination law to gays and lesbians. People who claim discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation have not been protected by Michigan’s civil rights law because the word “sex” in the law has been interpreted only as a reference to gender. But …

W. Jean Shears, age 96, of Sturgis, passed away early Thursday morning, March 3, 2022, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born May 30, 1925 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Charles and Hazel (Weeks) Pierson. Jean was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1943. On September 4, 1943 she …

Michael B. Roberts, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo after a long battle with Lung Cancer. He was born July 11, 1938 in Allegan, a son to the late Maurice and Fern (Kermean) Roberts. . On Dec. 20, 2001 in Sturgis, he married Fern Brock. Michael retired from Parma Tube …

Robert L. Hartman, age 87, of Lakeland, Florida, went to his eternal home to be with Jesus on Friday, February 18, 2022. Robert (Bob) Hartman was born in 1934 to Leslie and Ruth (Gerdes) Hartman. He spent his early years growing up in Colon as a very active boy, hunting, fishing and helping neighbors in the community. He graduated with …

Joyce Ann Cartwright, age 89, of Mendon, died Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at Ascension Borgess Allegan Hospital following a brief illness. She was born on the family farm in Mendon on Feb. 26, 1933 the daughter of the late Carl and Margaret (Harmon) Wing. She attended the Reserve Country School, and graduated from Colon High School in 1951. She was …

Mary Jane Schrock, age 83, of Constantine, died on February 26, 2022 at her home. She was born July 20, 1938 in Constantine, a daughter of Glen and Sadie (Lintz) Shingledecker. Mary graduated from Constantine High School in 1957. She had previously worked at the IGA grocery in White Pigeon. Mary was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed reading, …

Alonzia K. Ballentine, age 19, of Three Rivers, died on February 25, 2022 at her home. She was born October 19, 2002 in Merrillville, IN a daughter of Alonzo and Kimberly (Hathorne) Ballentine III. She attended Pathfinder School in Centreville. Alonzia was a happy and loving girl who was always laughing and smiling. She enjoyed listening to and making music …

Republicans who control the Michigan Legislature agreed Tuesday on a plan to cut taxes by $2.5 billion annually, advancing a bill that will be vetoed because there is no deal with Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The House voted 62-42 to cut the state income tax from 4.25% to 3.9%, lower the age for filers to exempt up to $20,000 individually …

The state of Michigan sued the owner and operator of a hydroelectric dam, alleging that its mismanaged drawdown of a lake to do repairs created sediment that has choked a 30-mile stretch of the Kalamazoo River, impeded recreational use and threatened public safety. The lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Ingham County court, seeks compensation for damages and fines along with an order …

Martin Bilecki, age 73, of Burr Oak, passed away early Wednesday morning, March 2, 2022 at his home. He was born April 1, 1948 in Chicago, son of the late Martin Joseph and Alice P. (Bulinski) Bilecki. Martin resided in rural Burr Oak for the past 24 years coming from Alsip, Illinois. He was married to Kasse Ann Sasek who …