Donald Duane Patterson, age 92, of Burr Oak, passed away Tuesday evening February 1, 2022 at Promedica Coldwater Regional Hospital in Coldwater. He was born June 29, 1929 in Battle Creek, son of the late Ira Washington and Helena C. (Stallman) Patterson. Don resided in the Sturgis and Burr Oak area most of his life and when he was very …

Pastor Manoj Gayen, age 73, of Three Rivers, died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022. He was born in India on Feb. 11, 1948 the son of Prabodh and Rekha (Halder) Gayen. While living in India he was a school teacher, and later a school principal. He became a Pastor for the Seventh Day Adventist Church and was …

David C. Easterday, age 80, of Bronson, died on Friday, January 28, 2022, at his residence. He was born on August 19, 1941, in Plymouth, Indiana to Carl Elbert and Matilda Wilhameta “Tilly” (Miller) Easterday. David worked in the maintenance department at the Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 42 years. He was known for being able to fix about anything. …

A Michigan ballot drive that was launched Monday would make it easier to vote, creating more than a week of early voting, letting all voters request an absentee ballot for future elections and requiring prepaid postage on return envelopes. The proposed constitutional amendment also would prohibit legislative or other attempts to “unreasonably” burden the right to vote and would enshrine the duties …

Nick Sorko-Ram, age 88, of St. Anthony, MN, went home to his Lord Friday, January 21, 2022. He was born August 16, 1933. Nick was a long-time resident of Sturgis, who worked as the plant manager and engineer for Ram Products and Se-Kure. Nick enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing and photography. He will be greatly missed. He is survived …

Sandra Lee Charging, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away early Sunday morning, January 30, 2022 at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. She was born March 2, 1942 in Three Rivers, daughter of the late Jack Robert and Gladys (Baker) Foote. Sandra’s mother died a short time after giving birth. Sandra’s grandparents: Vurmen and Minnie Baker took on the responsibility …

“Men make history and not the other way around. In periods where there is no leadership, society stands still. Progress occurs when courageous, skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” ~ Harry S. Truman St. Joseph County is experiencing a strong need of blood. Actually, the entire country is experiencing a blood shortage. This is why …

Phyllip C. Peters, age 72, of Elkhart, and formerly of Constantine, died on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital. He was born July 22, 1949 in Kalamazoo, a son of Charles and Phyllis (Reed) Peters. Phyllip graduated from Constantine High School in 1967 and attended Glen Oaks Community College. On July 23, 1977 he married Madaline L Evans …

Lee Gero Happel, age 81, of Sturgis, passed away early Saturday morning, January 29, 2022 at Parkview Randallia Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born October 4, 1940 in Sturgis, son of the late Clifford and Vera (Bennett) Happel. Lee was a lifelong Sturgis and Burr Oak area resident and a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class …

Gyms, movie theaters and other businesses hurt by the coronavirus pandemic would receive state grants under a $185 million spending bill that won initial legislative approval Thursday. The 96-6 vote in the House came more than a month after the Legislature and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer enacted $409 million in aid for businesses that lost money — funded with federal discretionary COVID-19 aid. …