Sturgis Hospital CEO Rob LaBarge announced Thursday that 60 positions will be eliminated starting Monday due to financial struggles the hospital has experienced the past 18 months. A reorganization plan to be implemented next week includes the closing of the hospital’s obstetric services, its Oncology Treatment Center and the discontinuation of hospice services. There will also be a reduction of …

Jerry Keyser, age 79, of Sturgis, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, at Sturgis Hospital. He was born Nov. 25, 1939, in North Liberty, Ind., a son of the late Kenneth A. and Sarah Elizabeth (Robinson) Keyser. Jerry moved to Sturgis in 1954, coming from Plymouth, Ind., and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of …

Shirley M. Davis, age 86, formerly of Mendon died Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 at Medilodge Westwood in Kalamazoo. She was born in Los Angeles, on April 17, 1932 the daughter of the late Oscar Eugene Smith and Evelyn Isabelle (Clark) Smith. She was married to Alyn E. Davis on May 6, 1956. They resided in Riverside, California before moving to …

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church of Three Rivers is conducting a unique fundraiser, with proceeds going toward its dog ministry. Comfort dog Jude is featured on every monthly page of a 12-month calendar for sale by the church. The golden retriever has been used by the church in several capacities, and proceeds from the sale of the calendars will help offset …

Here’s a reminder that Saturday is the deadline for nominations for the 2018-19 John E. Oster Award, which recognizes outstanding teaching and community service by a Sturgis Public Schools teacher. The award is in honor of the late John Oster, a Sturgis attorney who placed high value on education and community service. This will be the 38th award given annually …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has agreed to send a letter to the St. Joseph County Commission and recommend the reappointment of road commission vice chairman Richard Anderson. Anderson, a Park Township resident, was re-appointed to the road commission in 2012; his term expires Dec. 31. Anderson retired from American Axle & Manufacturing in Three Rivers, and previously had …

Sturgis Public Schools is preparing to sell its Arden Park building. Members of the district’s board of education last week voted to prepare the property for sale. Superintendent Art Ebert said the two-room building sits on nearly an acre and a half and that it is used for storage. Ebert said resources from the potential sale of the building would …

A pair of goals by Justin Taylor and a 48-save performance by goaltender Ivan Kulbakov helped propel the Kalamazoo Wings (5-10-01-) to a 6-4 victory over the visiting Wheeling Nailers on Tuesday night at Wings Event Center. After dropping their previous six games, the K-Wings came out firing on Tuesday night by scoring three consecutive goals in the first period. …

Betty Jane Kennedy, age 94, of Grand Haven, passed away Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, at Grand Pines Assisted Living. She was born March 19, 1924, in Sturgis, to the late Guy and Lucy (Deluca) Bonfiglio II. Betty married Earl Maurice Kennedy in 1946 in Sturgis. He preceded her in death in 1991, after 44 years of marriage. Betty graduated from …

James H. McClain, DPM, died Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at his home at the age of 64. He was born in Kalamazoo on Oct. 22, 1954 the son of G. Henry McClain and J. Jean (Simpson) McClain. Jim graduated from Mendon High School in 1973 and earned his bachelor’s degree at Michigan State University. Jim graduated from the Illinois College …