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 …

Royce D. Russell, age 57, of Colon, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Royce was born on January 15, 1963 in Bainbridge, Maryland, a son to Ronald and Doris (Burger) Russell. Royce graduated from Morenci High School with the class of 1981. Royce worked for the last 20 years in management at Forest …

Thomas Owen Miller passed peacefully Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Tom was born in Three Rivers on April 18, 1944 the son of George L. Miller and Ruth M. (Bowersox) Miller. He was united in marriage to Tracy (Hackenburg) Miller on August 21, 1965 at the First Baptist Church Parsonage by Pastor John Booko …

The state Attorney General’s Office has agreed to handle the prosecution of any crimes stemming from a large party on a Cass County lake in which hundreds of people ignored state orders to wear masks or socially distance. The Cass County Prosecutor’s Office asked the Attorney General’s Office to appoint a special prosecutor after a viral video showed hundreds of …

Michigan health workers must receive “implicit bias” training tied to their professional licensure under a directive issued Thursday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who said the mandate will help address the coronavirus pandemic’s disproportionate and deadly impact on people of color. The Democratic governor also said she would soon announce steps to ensure compliance with Michigan’s mask-wearing requirement in indoor public …