A bipartisan package of bills that makes boating, snowmobiling and use of other recreational vehicles safer has been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives and sent to Gov. Rick Snyder for consideration. The measures lower the lawful blood-alcohol-content level for boaters, snowmobilers and operators of off-road vehicles from 0.10 percent to 0.08 percent, the same level as operators of …

Two area state parks will be a part of a free, New Year’s Day event sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The agency will sponsor free, guided hikes in Michigan state parks on New Year’s Day – plus additional hikes throughout the week – as part of America’s state parks “First Day Hikes” initiative. According to the Michigan …

John Garner, 70, of Portage, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014. He was born on March 6, 1944, the son of the late Victor and Nadine (Delling) Garner. John had a gentle heart and quiet nature. He was giving and always found a way to help others. He was quick witted, but never needed to be the center of …

Delbert Smith, 88, of Marcellus, passed Thursday, Dec. 25, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. Delbert was born June 6, 1926 in Kalamazoo, the son of Percey and Anna Brady Smith. On Nov. 22, 1956, he married Pauline Plumley in Wakefield, Mich. Delbert always enjoyed fishing, hunting and being outdoors. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, two …

Herbert Jess Roesener, age 84, of White Pigeon, MI, passed away Saturday, December 27th, at Elkhart General Hospital.  Herb was born in Breman, IN on May 8, 1930, a son of the late Jess Walterhouse and Pearl Roesener.  He was the husband of Joan A. (Schmidt) Roesener. Herb graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1949 and went on to serve …

Jimmy Dale Skipper, age 81, of Vandalia, MI died Saturday, December 27, 2014 in his home surrounded by his loving family.  He was born August 28th, 1933 in Leachville, Arkansas, a son of Virgil Noah and Martha Elaine (Rhodes) Skipper.  He married Erma Lee Carmack on November 24th, 1955. Jimmy served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War.  He …

Grand Rapids is going to extremes — from its snowiest November to what could be the least snowy December. The Grand Rapids Press reports that only three-tenths of an inch of snow has fallen this month in the western Michigan city. The drought starkly contrasts with November, which logged 31 inches. Little or at least less snow has been common …

Marlene Brueck, 81, of Three Rivers, passed away Dec. 26, 2014 at home. Arrangements pending at Hohner Funeral Home.

Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Hackenberg, age 83, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, Dec. 22nd, 2014 at Three Rivers Health. She was born on October 27, 1931 in Three Rivers, MI., the daughter of the late William and Thelma (Meyers) Roberts Sr. Mrs. Hackenberg has been a lifelong resident of Three Rivers. On June 4, 1948 she was united …

A 54-year-old Sturgis woman’s vehicle struck a house last week at 302 S. Lakeview Ave. in Sturgis. Authorities arrived to find the vehicle resting on the front porch of the home, as the driver said the vehicle’s brakes had failed. She told police that when she tried to stop, the brake pedal accelerated all the way to the floor. Police …