The RV industry is enjoying a smooth ride as the recession that devastated it fades into the distance.  Industry leaders say key manufacturers and suppliers have announced recent expansions, the stock market is at an all-time high and consumers are more confident in the future.  Recreation Vehicle Indiana Council executive director Mark Bowersox tells the South Bend Tribune the rebound …

Donald Elmer Harris, age 92, of Centreville, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2014 at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers.  He was born in LaGrange, IN on June 26, 1922, a son of Donald and  Mildred (Pearson) Harris. On July 19, 1975 he married Virginia Boyland, she preceded him in death. Don was a Foreman at Kirsch Company, retiring Dec. 31, …

Lee Roy Cropsey, age 90, of Marcellus, MI, passed away Friday evening, August 29, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, MI.        He was born May 4, 1924, in Wakelee, MI the son of Sherman Dewey and Bessie Irene (Griffis) Cropsey.  On April 9, 1950, in Edwards Corners Bible Church, Marcellus, MI, he married Evelyn R. Ritter who preceded him in death …

Donna Hackman, age 82, of Papillion, Neb., and a former White Pigeon resident, passed away Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Papillion.She was born Oct. 24, 1931, in White Pigeon, a daughter of the late Dalton and Hazel (Ford) McFall Sr.On Sept. 25, 1954, she married Victor L. Hackman in White Pigeon. He died Dec. 14, 2004.Her early life was lived …

Joanne K. Keeslar, 58, of Sturgis, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, following an extended illness.Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church in White Pigeon. Pastor Steve K. Kaszar will officiate. Burial of cremains will take place at a later date in White Pigeon Township Cemetery.Arrangements are …

Elias D. Yoder, age 70 years, 11 months and 1 day, of 30100 Marsh Road, Colon, died peacefully in his home Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, after a lengthy illness.He was born Sept. 26, 1943, in Ohio, a son of the late Dan A. andMary Ann (Miller) Yoder.He was a member of the Old Order Amish Church and was a general …

Despite maintaining his innocence, Andy Brown was sentenced Friday to serve at least 39 years in prison for killing Sturgis CPA David Locey last October. The sentence was issued by St. Joseph County Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman, who assigned Brown between 37 1/2 and 75 years for second-degree murder, and two years for felony use of a firearm. Stutesman …

White Pigeon Community Schools has made official its short-term plan regarding the vacancy of its superintendent’s position. During Wednesday’s board of education meeting, district officials named high school principal Jon Keyer acting superintendent, while curriculum director Carrie Erlandson will assist by sharing duties equally, according to a motion approved by board members. Both Keyer and Erlandson have been with the …

Members of the Sturges-Young Auditorium board and Sturgis Council of the Arts board have voted to merge the two boards. The two boards approved the plan in July and the measure was solidified Wednesday, when the Sturgis City Commission approved the merger. The newly created Auditorium Board of Directors will consist of one city commissioner and a maximum of 22 …

Timothy Bontrager, age 12, of Vandalia, MI passed away Thursday, August 28, 2014 at his home, following a 9 year battle with leukemia. He was born in Shipshewana, IN on June 7, 2002, a son of Gary and Anna (Miller) Bontrager. Tim completed 5th grade, attending Eastside and Riverside Schools in Constantine. He was an animal lover and raised calves, rabbits and …