John J. Neal, age 83 , of Mendon, died unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. He was born in Kalamazoo on March 21, 1935 the son of Samuel Wesley Neal and Helen (Wallus) Neal. Jon attended the Canada corners Country School and Mendon High School. He served with the U.S. Army in Germany. Upon his return he …

Steven L. Mobley, age 67, has passed away peacefully at his home with his daughters by his side on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018. He was born on June 8, 1951, in LaGrange, to Virgil and Doris (Lytle) Mobley. He worked at Sutton Tool for 17 years as a machinist working with tool and die. After that he did some excavating …

Marietta Louise Abston, age 78, of Howe, Ind., died on Monday, Nov. 19, 2018, at her home. Mrs. Abston was the first-born child to Ralph Nicholas and Florence Marietta (Howard) Burgi on March 8, 1940, in Sturgis. For 35 years, Mrs. Abston taught elementary school. She was very active in her community with various civic and social organizations along with …

Mendon Township Planning Commission members this week tabled a decision on whether to amend a local ordinance regarding solar energy systems. Following feedback from 35 people at Tuesday’s meeting, the five-member commission agreed to weigh all comments and regroup next month for a potential vote. Its next meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Dec. 18 at the township hall.. Overall, …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this week made an appointment to the county’s Transportation Authority Board. During Tuesday’s meeting, Sarah Beckle was added to the CTA panel. In other action, commissioners agreed to make an exception to the county hiring freeze in anticipation of a retirement within the treasurer’s office. Deputy treasurer Mary Ives is planning to retire …

State Rep. Aaron Miller has been appointed to a key role in helping determine the policy priorities of Michigan House Republicans for the 2019-20 session. Miller was appointed chair of the Policy Action Plan Committee by Speaker-elect Lee Chatfield. The temporary panel will help collect policy ideas toward building the House Republican action plan for the next two years. Miller …

Janet L. Mueller, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away at her home on Wednesday, November 21, 2018.  She was born in Blue Island, IL on January 17, 1944, a daughter of Edward and Ruth (Struven) Stump.  Janet graduated from Dalton Schools in Illinois.  On April 25, 1960, she married Charles Mueller in Chicago. Janet previously worked for Mathew’s Eye …

Berneda Onnaleah Cole, age 74, 0f Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Monday, Nov. 19th, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center.  She was born on Feb. 15, 1944 in Kalamazoo, the daughter of the late Paul and Fannie (Lewis) Pirtle. Berneda and her family have peace in their hearts knowing that Berneda lived her life with compassion, courage, faith, and a …

Barbara Jean Bell, age 92, formerly of Mendon and Vicksburg, died Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018 at Sue’s Loving Care Home in Kalamazoo. She was born in Three Rivers on July 10, 1926 the daughter of the late John Henry and Zella Blanchard (Avery) Fenwick. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1944 and attended Western Michigan University and the Bronson …

Douglas Anthony Novak, age 67, of Leonidas, died Monday, Nov. 19, 2018 at Bronson Methodist Hospital after an extended illness. He was born in Flint, MI on Aug. 1, 1951 the son of the late Harry and Lorraine (King) Novak. Doug graduated from Bentley High School in Flint and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Viet Nam war. …