Michigan’s record-high number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients dipped Wednesday, the first drop in 49 days as health leaders continued to urge vaccinations while describing a dire situation inside hospitals. The state recorded 330 additional deaths, including 100 in the most recent 48-hour period. The seven-day average of daily deaths, 120 as of Monday, was up substantially from 67 two weeks …

Robert Elias Payne, age 56, passed away on Sunday, December 12, 2021 at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born in Ludington, MI on October 18, 1965 to Frank and Clara (Nicolls) Payne. Following a house fire, the Payne family moved to Wichita, KS and eventually Emporia, KS where Rob graduated from high school and vocational school. After graduation Rob …

Virginia L. Holton, age 93, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday evening, December 15, 2021 at Fairview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Centreville. She was born September 28, 1928 in Battle Creek, daughter of the late H. Allen and Anona (Bubb) Nobles. Mrs. Holton resided in Sturgis since 1947 coming from Olivet, Michigan where she was a graduate and class president of …

Larry Grubb, age 78, of Howe, IN passed away at his home on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, leaving behind his wife of 56 years, Trish. Also surviving is their son, Scott (Renee) Grubb of Howe, as well as two very much-loved grandchildren, Ashlynn (Justin) Madar of Lansing, and Skyler (fiancée Cassie) Grubb of Wawaka, IN. Larry also leaves behind two …

Grace Elouise Kasdorf, age 89, of Sturgis, went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021. She was born Oct. 3, 1932, the youngest daughter of Harrie and Flossie (Crapo) Prestidge. Grace graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1950. In 1953, she married Howard Jay Kasdorf who preceded her in death in …

Victor A Raul, 78, of White Pigeon, died on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at his home following an extended illness. He was born on June 23, 1943 in Chicago, the Son of Frank and Mary (Strum) Raul. Resident of White Pigeon several years coming from Midland. White Pigeon High School and College Graduate. He was employed as a Chemist in …

William Copper, Jr., age 70, of Three Rivers, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2021 at Heartland Healthcare Center in Three Rivers where he was a patient for the past three years. He was born in Chicago on May 7, 1951 the son of William and Maebell (McCloud) Copper. He graduated from Three Rivers High School where he was a member of …

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and ice rescue personnel clad in dry suits worked today to try to recover a dozen elk that died Tuesday after falling through the ice of a private lake in Otsego County. “This is a very tragic and unfortunate event,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Elk are an important species in Michigan’s successful …

Lucille Smurr, age 63, of Centreville, died on Tuesday, December 14, 2021. Arrangements by Hackman Family Funeral Homes.

Delores Jean Barkley, age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 10, 2021, at Amber Place Memory Care, Heritage Community in Kalamazoo, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born December 10, 1937, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the daughter of Arthur and Mae Persell. Delores graduated from Lake Forest High School (Lake Forest IL), then attended secretarial school in Chicago. …