Raymond M. Blaskie, age 82, passed away Monday night, Sept. 30, 2013, at the home of his sister Genevieve Cadman in Burr Oak, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 10, 1931, in Bronson, a son of the late Peter and Julia (Francisco) Blaskie. He was proud to have served his country by making a career in the …

For the first time in I don’t know how many years, we missed the annual St. Joseph County Grange Fair. We always manage to make it over to the fair at least one or two times every fall. We were attending a Lions Leadership Forum, along with about 2500 of our best friends, in Overland Park, Kansas. We missed walking …

Only days remain until Michigan shoppers and retailers celebrate the first “Get Caught Blue-Handed” Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, as part of the annual Buy Nearby campaign launched earlier this year by Michigan Retailers Association (MRA). The celebration takes place in stores and communities all across the state. Michiganders are encouraged to go shopping nearby with friends and family and …

Fishing gear, a 10-foot kayak and other boating accessories were stolen from a cabin in Lockport Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department was called to a seasonal residence in the 57000 block of Holtom Road to investigate the incident, which occurred between Sept. 13 and 27. Details regarding access to the building were not provided in a department media …

A large amount of copper wire was stolen from farm equipment and grain bins at a site in the 29000 block of Brandt Road in Colon Township, according to state police. The incident, which possibly occurred within the past week, was reported Monday morning, according to authorities.

A 42-year-old Kalamazoo County man is headed to prison for killing his wife after an argument over cooking dinner. John Kovach of Comstock Township was sentenced to 18 to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty on September 5 to second-degree murder and the felonious use of a firearm. Police found the body of 40-year old Nancy Kovach in the …

Patricia A. Babbs, age 78, of Sarasota, Fla., and formerly of Colon, passed away Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at Tarpon Point Nursing Home in Sarasota. Pat was born Nov. 8, 1934, in Yost Station, Ohio, a daughter of the late Clancy and Estella Maruerite (Shrider) Hursey. On Jan. 29, 1960, she married Arthur G. Babbs in Glenford, Ohio, and they …

The society of Certified Insurance Counselors (CIC) recently honored Rodney Chupp, CIC, of Chupp Insurance Agency in Sturgis for dedication and leadership in the insurance industry. Mr. Chupp was awarded a certificate of achievement, recognizing five consecutive years of active affiliation with the Society of CIC. The CIC designation carries commitment to advanced knowledge and customer service. The Society’s President, …

Mary Ann Nightingale, age 80, of Colon, passed away Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after a short illness. Mary Ann was born July 18, 1933, in Leonidas, a daughter to the late Earl and Ruth (Craft) Hammond. Mary Ann had lived most all her life in Colon and Leonidas, graduating from Colon High School, as …

Keith D. Anderson, age 79, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Saturday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2013, at his home. He was born Aug. 15, 1934, in Noblesville, Ind., son of the late Delmar and Vera (Taylor) Anderson. He was proud to have served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Keith is survived by his partner, companion and …