Mi Kell Tatum “Kelly” Betcke, age 46, of Sturgis, passed away Friday evening, March 6, 2020, at her home. She was born Feb. 5, 1974, in Sturgis, a daughter of Terry and Roberta “Bobby” (Smoker) Betcke. Kelly was a lifelong Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class or 1992. Following her graduation from high school, she …

A millage request by Glen Oaks Community College was defeated Tuesday. By a margin of about 55 percent opposed to 45 percent in favor, the college failed in its request to secure half a mill increase over a five-year period. The request was seeking what amounted to $1 million a year and would have addressed maintenance, technology, safety and infrastructure …

Voters in Cass County’s Newberg Township have approved a request for maintaining fire, first responder and ambulance services. The results from Tuesday’s election show 195 votes in favor of the five-year request, while 65 opposed the measure. More than 20 percent of the township’s voters took part in the election. As a result, the township will collect more than $83,000 …

A 56-year-old Sturgis woman died Tuesday in a single-vehicle crash in White Pigeon Township. The incident occurred just before 11 a.m. on U.S. 12 near Hillandale Road in the Klinger Lake area. According to the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department, Karen Lynette Napier, 56, was driving west on U.S. 12 when her vehicle left the south side of the road and …

A home at Fish Lake was destroyed by fire Sunday. Firefighters from four departments responded to the blaze in the 63000 block of Pine Drive, about 8 miles northwest of Sturgis. Everyone inside the home exited safely, officials said, adding no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown, authorities said. Tri-Township Fire Chief, Max Kulpinski said …

Michigan officials say two people in the Detroit area have tested positive for the coronavirus infection. A woman in Oakland County had traveled outside the country, while a man from Wayne County had traveled within the U.S. They are in hospitals and are middle-aged. Both cases will be reviewed by federal health experts. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of …

Two men were arrested following a home-invasion incident last week in Cass County’s Calvin Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called at 11:50 p.m. Tuesday in response to an armed robbery and home invasion in the 63000 block of Day Lake Road. The 24-year-old female victim told authorities she was home alone, and three or four men entered the …

St. Joseph County Road Commission Managing Director John Lindsey has issued a reminder that political signs must be placed outside of the road right-of-way. Lindsey broached the subject at last week’s road commission meeting after commissioner Vince Mifsud asked about the rules. Mifsud said someone notified him about a political sign placed underneath a stop sign, and that the driver …

I have found that there is more advice fathers should share with their sons than I have room for in just one column, so here are five suggestions. The final five will be listed next week. Never turn down a breath mint. Give credit. Take the blame. Stand up to bullies. Protect those that are bullied. Take time to snuggle …

Stephan John Roll, age 65 of Marcellus, Michigan passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020. Memorial donations may be directed to Wright Way Rescue, 5915 Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, Illinois 60053. Online condolences may be left at www.materralstonfuneralhome.com.