Alison Carmona-Nieves, age 21 months, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, Dec. 11, 2019, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born Feb. 22, 2018 in Kalamazoo, a daughter of Cecilia Nieves-Ramirez. Alison is survived by her mother; a sister, Camila Nieves-Sanchez, at home; grandparents Manuel and Patricia Nieves of Sturgis; and aunts Mayra Castro, Yolanda Reynel and Tania …

Esther (Carpenter) Troyer, age 91, of Burr Oak, passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2019, at The Birches in Leonidas. She was born July 6, 1928 in Sturgis, daughter of the late Joseph and Fannie (Eicher) Carpenter. She grew up in St. Joseph County, Mich., and attended Babcock School. She also attended Fairview Bible School. Esther married Ralph Troyer on October …

Gertrude Emma Engel, age 93, of Three Rivers, passed away with her children at her side on Sunday, December 8, 2019. She was born in Dresden, Germany on April 9, 1926, the daughter of Arthur and Elsa (Risse) Hantke. In 1953 Gertrude emigrated to the United States with her mother and children Heidi, Christine and Daniel. Their family first settled …

Jennifer A. Summey, age 52, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Dec. 13, 2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. She was born April 26, 1967 in Sturgis, a daughter to the late Arthur and Elna (VonOlnhausen) Gould. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, …

Marty Ray McWatters, age 53, of Three Rivers, passed away at his home on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019. He was born on Nov. 22, 1966 in Three Rivers, the son of Marvin and Donna (Perry) McWatters. Marty enjoyed people, camping, kayaking, working on engines and cars. He was an avid listener of all music. He was greatly loved and will …

St. Joseph County Substance Abuse Task Force is preparing to launch its 2020 Meth Campaign. The annual campaign will focus on recovery, hope and community healing, and conclude with the annual “Voices of Hope and Recovery” program. Task force members will begin a public-awareness effort through a series of emails, Facebook posts, radio interviews and by display messages on St. …

Sheriff’s deputies were called last week to a two-vehicle accident in Mendon Township. The incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday at the intersection of M-60 and M-66. Upon arrival, deputies located Colon resident Oscar Starks, who was trapped inside his pickup. With the assistance of Colon Fire personnel, a sheriff’s deputy was able to free Starks from the vehicle. …

State police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering situation that occurred last week in White Pigeon Township. Officials said the incident happened at Fantom Motorsports, on Dickenson Road. Several remote-controlled cars, remote controllers and other accessories were taken. Authorities said the suspects also stole a Canon digital camera and numerous checks from the business. The checks have Fantom Motorsports stamped on …

Last week, I sort of left you hanging when I wrote about LED lights. I’m not talking about those lights usually found on the newer cars. I’m referring to those lights you might use in your home. I would like to share something about the lifespan of LEDs. The useful life of LEDs is defined differently than for other lighting …

Multiple trailers and motor homes were broken in to in a storage lot at Kline’s Resort in Mendon Township last week. State police said the break-ins and theft of items occurred Wednesday or Thursday. Authorities said televisions, DVD players and blankets were among the items reported stolen.