Phillip Jerry Eberhard, age 78 years of Hudson, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at his home. He was born on June 8, 1941, in Sturgis, the son of Phillip J. and Violet H. (Rubley) Eberhard. Phil graduated from Colon High School in 1959. He graduated from Central Michigan University with a teaching degree and later eared his Master’s in …

Ralph Duane Adams, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019, at his home. He was born April 24, 1934, in LaGrange, only child of Ora Raymond and Thelma (August) Adams. Ralph resided most of his life in Sturgis. His early life was spent in Howe, Ind. He was a graduate of Lima High School with the …

Authorities say a 16-year-old girl visiting Lake Michigan for the first time is missing and presumed drowned after apparently being swept into the water by a large wave. The Ottawa County sheriff’s office says Eliza Trainer and an 18-year-old friend were knocked into Lake Michigan off Holland State Park about 11:30 p.m. Wednesday. Trainer’s friend was able to get out …

Northern Indiana officials say a woman whose minivan plunged into a retention pond, killing two of her three children, missed a curve on an icy road just before that crash. The St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office said Thursday that 31-year-old Brooke Natalie Kleven and her 3-month-old daughter, Hendrix Kleven, both remained in critical condition following the New Year’s Eve crash. …

A suburban Detroit family has been reunited with their dog, days after the canine ran off following a car crash. The golden retriever, Red, ran into nearby woods after he was ejected from the family’s vehicle on Dec. 25 when it rolled several times along I-75 in Auburn Hills after hitting a slick spot. Wade Stevenson of Woodhaven pleaded online …

Mickey Roy Sowers, age 65, of Niles, passed away late Sunday evening, Dec. 29, 2019, at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph. He was born March 11, 1954, in Sturgis, a son of the late Jack M. and Thelma Ruth (Rambadt) Sowers. Mickey resided most of his life in Niles and was a graduate of Niles High School. He had …

The May shooting death of a woman by her 9-year-old adopted son was voted the top local news story of 2019, as selected and ranked by editorial staff members of the Sturgis Journal. The incident occurred May 6 in Fawn River Township and resulted in the death of Pauline Randol. In September, probate court judge David Tomlinson ruled the boy …

Pathfinder Education Center special education teacher Tammy Childs has been nominated for the 2019-20 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Childs was recognized as a LifeChanger in her community for supporting and advocating for her students. She works daily with students who have unique challenges, such as limited speech or mobility, serious illnesses and seizures. Her students are loved for …

Joan A. Roesener, age 85, of Constantine, died on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at Borgess Medical Center. She was born August 18, 1934 in Mishawaka, a daughter of Edward and Ernestine (Erbe) Schmidt. On January 4, 1952 Joan married Herbert Roesener in Norfolk, VA. He preceded her in death December 27, 2014. Joan worked in the fiberglass industry for various companies …

State police troopers are investigating the theft of a propane tank from a residence in the 21000 block of Banker Street in Florence Township. The 100-pound tank was taken from the residence sometime between midnight and 9 a.m. Dec. 24. The tank is white and has the words “James Harris Const.” along its side.