A large mass of grasses and other vegetation has been swept into a western Michigan lake, creating what one professor calls a “bizarre” floating island. Norton Shores photographer Joe Gee shot video of the floating vegetation Thursday in Muskegon Lake using an aerial drone. His footage shows a pontoon boat circling the island and looking small by comparison. “I’ve lived …

Buddy J. Mullins, age 31, of Constantine, died June 10, 2020. He was born Sept. 11, 1988, to Kathy Ball. He was an amazing husband, father, son and brother. He made an impact on the life of everyone he met. He was a graduate of West Noble High School. He is survived by his wife, Dawn Mullins; children Aliyah James, …

Eleanor June (Simonson) Eckhardt, age 85, formerly of Sturgis, went to our Lord peacefully, with family by her side, in Lisbon, Maine, on June 11, 2020. She died as she had lived: Trusting Jesus. Eleanor was born June 3, 1935, at her family farm in Scandinavia, Wis. She graduated from Scandinavia High School in 1953. Eleanor earned her teaching certificate …

A Battle Creek man has been charged in the March death of a woman who police believe was fatally shot in her home before her body was burned along a remote road. Jose Juarez, 26, was arrested Thursday and charged with open murder, mutilation of a dead body and three other counts in the death of Alison Sargent, a 25-year-old …

A 62-year-old woman died in a hit-and-run incident Thursday in the parking lot at the Three Rivers Meijer. Three Rivers Police were called shortly after 1 p.m. in response to a pedestrian struck by a car. Witnesses told investigators the driver ran the victim over and continued from the scene. Officers are looking for a black 2015 body style Chevrolet …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration through July 16, enabling her to keep intact certain business closures, longer unemployment benefits and other changes after she previously lifted a stay-at-home order. The Democratic governor — who has been gradually reopening the state — hopes to let gyms, movie theaters and bowling alleys restart by July 4. They …

Ardis Louise Barnebee, age 90, of rural Mendon, died Wednesday, June 17, 2020 at her home. She was born in Leonidas on July 29, 1929 the daughter of Lloyd E. and Elda M. (Hagelgans) Outman. She graduated from Colon High School where she was Vice President her senior year and was a D.A.R. Good Citizen. Ardis was married to Richard …

The state of Michigan has lifted the suspension of a barber’s license, but he still faces a hearing for cutting hair while shops and salons were closed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. An administrative law judge on Tuesday granted the state’s request to lift Karl Manke’s suspension. Regulators said an “imminent threat” to public health no longer exists at the Owosso barbershop. …

Ellen Marie Eisele, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020, at her home. She was born March 20, 1962, in Fowlerville, a daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Eisele. She was salutatorian of Fowlerville High School class of 1980. Ellen was a proud graduate of Michigan State University and continued her education at Western Michigan University, earning a …

David Michael Hopkins, age 59, of Nottawa, passed away late Saturday evening, June 13, 2020, at his home. He was born Feb. 21, 1961, in Sturgis, a son of the late Lyle and Lois (John) Hopkins. David resided in Nottawa since 2006, coming from White Pigeon, where he attended White Pigeon Schools. David always found joy in helping others and …