A Mendon woman died Thursday after the vehicle she was driving left the roadway and plunged into the Fawn River. Sheriff Mark Lillywhite said deputies were called shortly after 7 a.m. to Constantine Road at the Fawn River bridge, located on the border of Constantine and Florence townships. Lillywhite said the vehicle, a 2007 Jeep Liberty, was found upside down …

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph health agency has announced it is expanding eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination to include residents 60 to 64 years of age. Beginning Monday, additional eligible individuals will include agricultural and food-processing workers who meet specific criteria. Food-processing workers include those whose jobs are at meat-processing and meatpacking facilities; who process fruit and vegetables; dairy processing; animal feed manufacturing; …

Warren Junior Fudge, age 97, of Klinger Lake, Sturgis, passed away Saturday afternoon, Feb. 20, 2021, at his home. He was born Jan. 18, 1924, in Lynn, Ind., a son of the late Warren L. and Ethel (Hinshaw) Fudge. Mr. Fudge was raised on a farm in Lynn, where he was a graduate of Lynn High School with the class …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said Wednesday her administration will announce the further loosening of Michigan’s coronavirus restrictions in coming days. She did not elaborate much in a news conference, in which she again pressed the Republican-controlled Legislature to pass a multibillion-dollar COVID-19 relief funding plan. A state health department order limits indoor restaurant capacity to 25%, imposes a 10 p.m. curfew …

Rylynn Marie Ditmer, age 8, of Sturgis, passed away early Tuesday morning February 23, 2021 at her home. She was born January 26, 2013 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, daughter of Glen Ditmer and Katrina Collett. Rylynn enjoyed music, Mickey Mouse, laser lights, hearing the clapping of hands and balloons. She is survived by her parents: Katrina and Timothy …

Mary Ellen Eaton, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, Feb. 21, 2021, at Upjohn Heritage Community in Kalamazoo. She was born Dec. 9, 1934, in Three Rivers, a daughter of the late Jesse “Jay” and Doris (Hess) Baker. Mary Ellen resided most her life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Three Rivers High School with the class …

Charles Wesley Adams, age 87, passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021 and joined his son, Howard, who predeceased him Dec. 5, 2020. He was surrounded by his surviving sons, Jeffrey and daughter-in-law Trish, and Christopher and daughter-in-law Carrie; daughter Theresa; and grandchildren Nicholas, Mikey, Ashlee, Avery, Riley, Annabelle, Joey and Logan. Three additional grandchildren, Wes, Sophia and Alex, live …

Jessie Lee Bessinger, age 82, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, February 20, 2021 at Rose Arbor Hospice. She was born November 12, 1938 in Three Rivers, the daughter of the late Donald and Opal (Dentler) Goldsmith. Jessie attended Three Rivers High School, and after her children were raised, graduated from beauty school. She worked more than 40 years as …

Diane L. Keeler, age 79, of Kalamazoo, died Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, at her home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon. Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at The Light and Life Wesleyan Church in Three Rivers. Interment will follow in White Pigeon Township Cemtery. Donations …

William Leighton Ellis, age 77, of Sturgis, passed away late Saturday evening February 20, 2021 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born July 13, 1943 in Lees Creek, Ohio son of the late Allen and Stella (Dunn) Ellis. Bill retired from Airborn Express in Wilmington, Ohio following several years of dedicated employment. He was proud to have served …