Robert E. Hagen of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Friday, May 17, 2013, at Borgess Medical Center. Born Dec. 11, 1934, in Sturgis, Robert was the son of the late William and Ilo (Waltz) Hagen. As a lifelong resident of Sturgis and a lifelong member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Robert spent his youth involved in 4-H before earning the rank of …

County sheriff deputies responded to a call early Monday evening of a suspicious man who had brandished a knife. When officers attempted to make contact with the subject, the 25-year-old man from Kent County fled, reaching speeds over 100 MPH. The pursuit started at US-131 and Hoffman, and continued northbound to where it ended on Michigan Avenue. The suspect driver …

Marjorie Ann Beard, age 67, of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly on Sunday, July 14, 2013 at her home. She was born on February 21, 1946 in East Lansing, MI. the daughter of Norman and Ruth (Orr) Mills. Mrs. Beard has been a lifelong resident of this area outside of a few brief years working in Fort Wayne. She retired …

An assessment report related to the courts building at the St. Joseph County Courthouse is expected to be issued this week. During Friday’s committee of the whole meeting, county administrator Patrick Yoder said officials from Benton Harbor-based Pearson Construction made a thorough inspection of the courts building last week. Yoder said the group spent more than two hours inspecting the …

The 30th White Pigeon Days community celebration was called a rousing success by its organizers. Capped off Sunday with a community worship service and picnic at Wade Park, the three-day festival was highlighted by a well-received fireworks display Saturday night, a fire-truck pull Friday preceded by a 45-minute parade featuring more than 50 entries. Jean Tefft, a member of the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners appears likely to continue meeting twice a month, not one time monthly as proposed by a county official. Following extensive discussion, the five-member panel during Friday’s committee of the whole meeting decided to keep the twice-a-month meeting schedule intact. County administrator Patrick Yoder had suggested the once-a-month schedule. Commissioners did, however, recommend eliminating …

The White Pigeon Rotary Club last week passed the gavel to its new president, Dan Cropsey. Cropsey will serve as club president for the 2013-14 year. Cropsey, a 40-year Rotary member between the Sturgis and White Pigeon civic groups, is also the advisor for the White Pigeon High School Interact Club, which is the largest club of its kind in …

Mark Annis Pierucki, age 58, passed away Wednesday morning, July 10, 2013, at the home of his care provider Janice and Carroll Parmeter of Marcellus. Mark was born May 17, 1955, in Sturgis, a son of the late John and Esther (Garn) Pierucki. Mark spent most of his life on the family farm north of Burr Oak. He attended Pathfinder …

Erma Mae (Mendelsohn) Chiddister, age 103, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Wednesday morning July 10, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born June 11, 1910 in Sturgis, Michigan only child of the late Edward and Louise (Meyers) Mendelsohn. On May 12, 1933 she married Sidney M. Chiddister in Sturgis. He died May 29, 1980. Erma resided her …

My name is Mitzy and this week I am the Pet of the Week. I am a female calico and am about 5 years old. I am quite plump and a very sweet lady. My owner had to move and brought me to Animal Control. I’m a little shy at first but I like people and will come out of …