A Coldwater man pleaded guilty to drug-related offenses during a recent proceeding in Branch County Circuit Court Judge Bill O’Grady said 27-year-old Dylan Tompkins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver meth and aggravated stalking. Sentencing on the 20-year drug felony and five-year stalking charge will be Oct. 10. With charges stemming from five drug sales, Tompkins came to the …

Through October 31, the U.S. Department of Education is offering public servants working in government and staff in eligible non-profits a second chance to qualify for student-loan forgiveness. This is a separate program than the broader Student Debt Relief Plan that President Joe Biden announced last week, State Superintendent Michael Rice said. The opportunity for student-loan forgiveness is an important …

Carol Cooper, age 73, of Three Rivers, passed away on Tuesday, August 30, 2022 surrounded by loving family at South Bend Memorial Hospital after a long journey with numerous health issues. Carol was born November 4, 1948 in Three Rivers, the daughter of Donald Smallcombe and Virginia (Newell) Jacobowitz. From the beginning, Carol lived life to the fullest. She spent …

Maritza Montoya Delgado, age 48, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday morning, September 1, 2022 at her home. She was born December 20, 1973 in Santa Cruz, Michoacán, Mexico daughter of the late Jose Abel and Maria Celia (Aguilar) Delgado. Maritza resided in the United States for over 30 years coming from Mexico. On January 29, 1994 she married Efrain Montoya …

Kirk Allan Hay, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, August 31, 2022 at the Sturgis Hospital Emergency Room. He was born August 18, 1955 in Three Rivers, son of Roland and Lois (Kussmaul) Hay. Kirk resided in Sturgis for the past 38 years coming from Burr Oak. On December 5, 1992 he married Reva Rice in Sturgis. She …

Melissa Gwen Nasstrom, age 63, of Three Rivers, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2022 at Beacon Health-Three Rivers. She lived in Reno, NV most of her life prior to moving to Three Rivers. Melissa is survived by family and friends. A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at the COA, 1200 W. Broadway St., …

Joanna Zimmerman, age 70, of Marcellus, passed away at home on August 21, 2022 surrounded by family. She was born in Three Rivers on June 25, 1952, the daughter of John Henry Claridge and Mary Ann (Pettibone) Claridge. On October 1, 1982 in Kalamazoo, she married Paul D. Zimmerman Sr. who preceded her in death. Joanna and Paul were founding …

James (Jim) D. Edgett II, age 82, of Punta Gorda and of Goodrich Lake in Colon, passed away Monday, August 29, 2022, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Jim was born on November 28, 1939, in Battle Creek, a son of the late James and Margaret (Olmstead) Edgett. Jim graduated from Howe Military School in 1957. He then attended De …

Lisa Kaye Steiner, age 55, of South Bend, passed away Tuesday, August 30, 2022 at Saint Joseph Health System in Mishawaka. She was born on October 23, 1966 in Sturgis, a daughter of Dennis and Ruby (Copsey) Steiner. Lisa graduated from Constantine High School in 1985, and later obtained a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Bethel College. She enjoyed …

I am not a big fan of bridges, especially high bridges, such as the “BIG MAC” near Mackinaw City. Every Labor Day, many Michiganders brave the heights and walk the five miles across the Straits of Mackinaw. You should be in pretty good shape and not afraid of heights as you walk across the structure that at times moves a …