Gov. Gretchen Whitmer again is pleading with Michigan residents to stay at home to corral the coronavirus. Meanwhile, the state’s chief medical executive says hospitals with empty beds are stepping up to ease the burden on overwhelmed medical centers. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says hospitals in southeastern Michigan are “at or near capacity.” Whitmer made an appeal for hospital gowns, ventilators, …

Elaine Woods, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday evening, March 24, 2020, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born Jan. 28, 1937, in LaGrange County, a daughter of the late Glen and Helen (Gael) Weldon. Elaine was a longtime resident of Sturgis. Her early life was spent in LaGrange County, where she was a graduate of Mongo …

Donna M. Strawser, age 91, of Constantine, died on Monday, March 16, 2020, at Heartland Healthcare in Three Rivers. Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon

Vera Maxine Carter, age 84, of Colon, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at The Laurels of Coldwater. Vera was born June 11, 1935, in Colon, a daughter of the late Enoch and Juanita (Danbury) Ware. Vera lived in the Colon area most of her life, and attended Union City High School. On May 22, 1960, Vera married Robert LeRoy …

The 2019-20 season was to be the last for former Kalamazoo Wings defenseman Kyle Bushee.  The 35-year- old native of Otsego, Michigan, joined the K-Wings for the 2016-17 season and played for his hometown team for a total of three years. During that time, Bushee played in 192 regular season games and 13 playoff games where he racked up 28 goals and …

Rosa Friedauer, 87, of Mottville Township, White Pigeon, died on Saturday, March 21, 2020, at her home. There will be no services. Arrangements by Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon.

Phyllis M. Sigman, age 81, of North Adams, passed away, Sunday, March 22, 2020 at her home. She was born January 13, 1939 in Camden to Victor and Virgie (Rose) Bidlack. Phyllis married James “Jim” Sigman on August 13, 1960 and he survives. Phyllis graduated from Pittsford High School in 1956. She was employed at Vaco, Jonesville Products, Spartan Foods …

The Kalamazoo State Theatre announces that the following shows have been rescheduled due the impact of COVID-19: Robert Cray Band – Original date: March 15/ New date:  September 9, 2020 Kalamazoo Academy of Rock – Original date:  March 21 / New date:  May 17, 2020 1964 The Tribute – Original date:  March 27 / New date:  February 13, 2021 Buddy …

Betty Lou Mullins, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020, at Bryan County Health and Rehab in Richmond Hill, Ga. She was born Sept. 20, 1940, in Toulouse, Ky., a daughter of the late Estes and Edna (Melton) Stidham. Betty resided most of her life in Sturgis. On Oct. 10, 1956, she married Danny Mullins in Hazard, …

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is warning that a Detroit-area hospital system is “almost at capacity” treating people with the coronavirus. The news came Tuesday as the state’s stay-at-home order kicked in to reduce the spread. The governor told WDET-FM that Beaumont Health, which has eight hospitals in Wayne and Oakland counties, is near capacity and “we have not seen the worse …