Probably the nicest and largest flea market around is in Shipshewana, Indiana. I’m not sure what days the flea market is open, but if you’re in the Shipshewana area and traffic is bumper-to-bumper, it’s a good chance that the flea market is open for business. I’ve visited the market and there are bargains there for everyone. To check out everything, …

It is with great sadness we announce that John Howard Weaver, beloved son, brother, husband, uncle, friend and mentor, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, due to health complications following a stroke in April of this year. He is predeceased by his parents, Howard and Elsie Weaver, and in-laws, Mike and Anna Cholak. John is survived by his devoted …

Marie E. Zinsmaster, age 93, Centreville, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020.  Marie was born in South Bend on April 17, 1927, daughter of Bailey and Lillly (Crabtree) Murphy.  She graduated from Washington High School, South Bend, in 1945.  She later attended Glen Oaks.  On November 27, 1948, she married Clarence Pianowski in South Bend; they were divorced in …

Robert John (Bobby) Hawkins, age 65, of Centreville, formerly of Constantine, passed away Friday, July 17, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital, Kalamazoo. Robert was born in Sturgis on December 13, 1954, a son of Junior and Marjorie (Westphal) Hawkins. Robert was a graduate of the Adapt Day Program. He enjoyed fire trucks, school buses, and carousels, especially riding the carousel …

William “Rick” Commenator, age 71, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at UP Health System-Marquette. He was born on April 1, 1949 in Lansing, the son of the late Ralph and Rita (Rickey) Commenator. Rick graduated from high school in Constantine with the Class of 1967. Rick married Mary Blackmore on September 19, 1970 at …

Betty M. Finnerman Schlagheck, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2020, at her home in Sturgis. Born April 26, 1933, to Rudolph and Alma (Miller) Quirin, Betty was a life-long resident of Sturgis, having never lived more than a 2-mile radius from the home in which she was born. On Oct. 25, 1952, she was united in …

Michigan on Wednesday reported its biggest increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases in nearly two months, leading Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to say she may be forced to reimpose some restrictions if the upward trajectory holds. Whitmer again pleaded with people to wear face coverings in public. Michigan State men’s basketball coach Tom Izzo, women’s coach Suzy Merchant and University of Michigan …

William Carl Croy, age 49, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at his home. He was born September 14, 1970 in Sturgis, son of the late Donald and Diann Marie (Hardesty) Croy. Billy resided most of his life in the Colon and Sturgis area and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1989 and …

Carol Marie Oakes, age 74, of Tekonsha, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2020 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. According to Carol’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no services. The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation of Union City. Carol was born on October 16, 1945 at Bixby Hospital in Adrian. She …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday extended Michigan’s coronavirus emergency declaration through Aug. 11, five months after she first issued it, pointing to an uptick in new cases over the past three weeks. The move, which was expected, allows the Democratic governor to keep in place various orders designed to curb the virus, including certain business closures, limits on gatherings, a mask requirement …