Carol Marie Oakes, age 74, of Tekonsha, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. According to Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation of Union City. Carol was born on October 16, 1945 at Bixby Hospital in Adrian. She …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration through Aug. 11, five months after she first issued it, pointing to an uptick in new cases over the past three weeks. The move, which was expected, allows the Democratic governor to keep in place various orders designed to curb the virus, including certain business closures, limits on gatherings, a mask requirement …

Ralph Gaylord Troyer, age 91, of Burr Oak, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at The Birches in Leonidas. A memorial service is planned for Sunday, July 26, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Calvary Chapel in Sturgis. Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.

Mark Steven Truckey, age 61, of Mendon, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born in Warren, MI on July 23, 1958 the son of John “Jack” and Claire (Delehanty) Truckey. The family moved back to Mendon in 1966, where Mark was a lifelong resident. He graduated from Mendon High School …

Larry Walton (R), a candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives in the 59th District, has received the “Friend of Agriculture” designation and endorsement from Michigan Farm Bureau’s AgriPac for the Aug. 4 primary election. “It’s an honor to receive the endorsement from AgriPac,” Walton said. “As a member of the St. Joseph County Farm Bureau, this recognition is one not taken lightly. …

Randy Lamar Waite, age 61, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday July 11, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was born January 10, 1959 in Sturgis, son of the late Garnet and Myrtle (Draper) Waite. Randy was a talented tree trimmer by trade, working for several area tree trimming companies. He is survived by one sister: Carol M. Wilbur …

Janis M. Phillips, age 63, of Mason, Ohio and a former Sturgis resident passed away Thursday, July 2, 2020 at her home. She was born May 28, 1957 in Jackson, Michigan daughter of the late Burton and Dorothy (Steckle) Dowley. Jan resided in Mason since 2011 coming from Sturgis. On July 28, 1979 she married James Phillips at the First …

Dining out has become a real treat since some restrictions were lifted. The experience used to be taken for granted before Covid-19. When the restriction for dining inside was lifted, it was suggested that everyone wear a mask when entering a restaurant or a bar. Once seated, the mask could be removed. A small price to pay for the privilege …

Judith Marie Stepp, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday evening, July 9, 2020 at the home of her son in Sturgis. She was born September 6, 1946 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Harlow and June (Neuschaefer) Hanselman. Judy was a longtime Sturgis resident. Her early life was spent in Kouts, Indiana where she was a graduate of Kouts …

Phyllis Jean Apple, age 82, of Sturgis, passed away at home on Friday, July 10, 2020 after a brief battle with Cancer. Phyllis was born on December 20, 1937 to Laurence and Esther Rager.  Phyllis attended Ball State University from 1955 – 1958, graduating with a degree in Education.  She taught at Knapp Elementary School until her retirement. Phyllis married …