Nearly half of Michigan residents live in counties where the federal government is urging everyone ages 2 and over, including the fully vaccinated, to wear masks in public indoor settings because transmission of the coronavirus is “high” or “substantial.” The guidance affected 33 of 83 counties as of Monday — including large ones such as Oakland, Macomb and Ingham — up from …

An official resigned as chairman of a county board in Michigan, the latest fallout from his decision to give himself a $25,000 bonus with federal COVID-19 relief money and reward others in the community. Jeremy Root will remain one of seven Shiawassee County commissioners but will no longer lead the board. “This whole county government needs major reform. … The integrity of …

Vickie Jean Austin, age 71, of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 30, 2021 at her home. She was born on June 11, 1950 in Lansing, the daughter of the late Joseph and Jean (Harmon) McKenzie. Vickie Jean graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1968. She worked for many years in the sales and retail service at …

Sharon E. Fisher, age 72, of Centreville, died early Sunday morning, August 1, 2021 at Ascension-Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born in Martinsville, IN on April 10, 1949 the daughter of Ancil A. and Mary T. (Basso) Carter. She graduated from Martinsville High School, and it was in Martinsville that she married Carroll Rex Fisher on July 31, 1966. …

Ronald Roger Rhoades, age 65, of Schoolcraft, passed away Friday, July 30, 2021 at Bronson Methodist Hospital of Kalamazoo. Ronald was born in Dowagiac on February 9, 1956, the son of Clarence Nelson Rhoades and Dorothy Marie (Reish) Rhoades. On July 23, 1977, in Marcellus, he married the love of his life, Pamela Joyce Stuck, who survives him in his …

The Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will conduct a “Doggy Wash” this Saturday, August 7, from 9 AM until 3 PM. The wash will take place at the TSC store located on the east side of US-131, just north of West Michigan Avenue. The only cost is a donation to ARF. Bring the family out and enjoy the fun of having …

Lawrence R. Collins, age 92, passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born November 29, 1928, in Sturgis to Richard and Anna (Straehly) Collins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Richard A. Collins and Robert Collins. Larry graduated from Sturgis High School, earned his BA from Albion College, and his MA from …

A man wanted in the killing of his 82-year-old father, whose body was found last week in his Kalamazoo-area home, was arrested Saturday. Scott Sterffy, age 56, was arrested in Kalamazoo and is expected to be arraigned Monday, the Portage Department of Public Safety said in a news release. Steffry was wanted on an open murder charge and a charge …

The remains of a mid-Michigan soldier killed in combat during the Korean War will be returned to his hometown for burial after military scientists identified them seven decades after his death. The remains of U.S. Army Sgt. William Cavender, age 20, were among more than 55 boxes of remains of U.S. servicemembers North Korea turned over to the U.S. in …

The University of Michigan and Michigan State University will require all students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by the start of the fall semester. Both university presidents said Friday that action is being taken due to the spread of the more infectious delta variant. Michigan State is taking things a step further and requiring masks to be …