Verna M. Muckel, age 89, of Colon, passed away, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Birch Adult Foster Care home in Leonidas. Verna was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Hicksville, Ohio, a daughter of the late Roy and Leah (Mackey) Thomas. She graduated from St. Joe High School in St. Joe, Ind., with the class of 1940. Verna had made her …

Patricia L. Jackson, 85, of Zeeland, and formerly of White Pigeon, died Dec. 25, 2013, at Baypointe Oakcrest Senior Living Community in Holland, following an extended illness. She was born March 13, 1928, in Boyd County Ky., a daughter Roy and Belva (Sloane) Edmond. She had been a resident of Zeeland since 2010, coming from White Pigeon. On Dec. 31, 1948, she married …

The Cook Nuclear Power Plant in southwest lower Michigan is set for its annual inspection by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission early next year. According to a letter from the NRC to the plant, the inspection is scheduled for the week of March 17. Indiana Michigan Power has until March 10 to send in the written examinations and operating tests to …

LeRoy Noble Larson, age 82, of Clayton, and formerly of Mio and Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital in Ypsilanti. LeRoy was born Feb. 5, 1931, in Washington, Mich., to Robert and Nona (Granseth) Larson. He was raised in Romeo. LeRoy served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He worked for …

A Sturgis Middle School math teacher has been named the winner of the 2013 John E. Oster Award. Cynthia Sprowl, a district employee of more than 30 years, was announced as the recipient during a recent luncheon sponsored by the Sturgis Rotary Club. The award is presented on behalf of the John Oster Memorial Fund, established in 1981 by Jo …

Sturgis city manager Mike Hughes said the municipality has been rated a “Five-Star Community” for the second consecutive year for its positive entrepreneurial climate. In addition to receiving the five-star designation, which is the highest ranking awarded, the city also received recognition as a 2013 “Best Practice Community.” The city is one of only eight communities in the state to …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has identified two bridges in St. Joseph County that will be replaced in the coming year. Spans over the Rocky River on Floating Bridge Road and Pulver Road, both in Flowerfield Township, will be dismantled and replaced in 2014. The tasks were made official when members of the St. Joseph County Road Commission Board recently …

Eric Jones, Mark Heydlauff and Tommy Hamilton were recently appointed to join the Sturgis Hospital Board of Directors and Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. Jones joined the board Oct. 9 and will serve until May 2014. Since 1991, he has been president and owner of Michiana Corrugated Products Company. He is presently a member and vice-president of the Sturgis Hospital …

Nedra L. Miller, of Topeka, Ind., passed away Dec. 23, 2013, at the age of 88. She was born April 3, 1925 in Ligonier, Ind. On Aug. 30, 1952 she married Walter “Ray” Miller. He preceded her in death Oct. 6, 2003. She is survived by two daughters, Connie (Dave) Palmer of Centreville and Patty (Bryce) Elkins of Columbia City, …

Happy Holidays! I am a 5 year old female black and tan shepherd/heeler mix. I am very gentle and love attention. I like to walk on a leash and I know to sit and shake on command. My head and cheeks are so soft, just made for petting. I have a bushy tail and two-toned nose. I am not a …