Participants in the traditional Labor Day walk across the Mackinac Bridge should expect some changes — and prepare for traffic tie-ups. The 5-mile-long bridge will be closed to vehicles Monday from 6:30 a.m. until noon. Historically, two lanes were designated for vehicles and the other two for walkers. But because of safety concerns, officials decided in 2017 to keep vehicles off the …

Michael Dale Wickey, age 65, of Sturgis, went home to be with his Jesus on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, peacefully at his home with his family after a short illness. Michael was born June 1, 1953, in Sturgis, a son to the late Chris C. JR and Rebecca (Schwartz) Wickey. He had lived all of his life in St. Joseph …

Michael C. Stefanski, age 70, of Sturgis, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018, at Bronson Methodist Hospital following a short illness. He was born Dec. 28, 1947, in Sturgis, the son of Clifford J. and Mary Jane (Herman) Stefanski. He was a graduate of Bronson High School in 1965 and also a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in …

Edward Gruzinski, age 91, of Constantine, died on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12- noon Monday at the Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon where services will be at noon Monday. Burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

Authorities from several Michigan and Indiana police agencies helped in an effort to track a suspect responsible for the issuance of an Amber Alert early Thursday. According to Sturgis Police Chief Geoff Smith, the child-abduction alert was issued after 37-year-old Fernando Mendoza Cruz was allegedly responsible for an assault at his residence, in the 100 block of Pioneer Street. Officers …

Michigan residents should prepare for emergencies and disasters by making an emergency plan with their loved ones and learning life-saving skills as part of Michigan’s “Preparedness Month,” according to the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. Throughout September, the MSP/EMHSD is joining federal, state and local governments, as well as private and public organizations, in supporting emergency-preparedness …

There’s rubber in a road in southwestern Michigan. Nearly 14,000 scrap tires have been recycled on a pavement project on West W Avenue in Schoolcraft in Kalamazoo County. The county Road Commission says the goal is to create a cost-effective and environmentally friendly surface. The pavement designs were created in labs at Michigan Technological University in the Upper Peninsula. The Kalamazoo …

Joseph A. Graber, 96, of White Pigeon, died peacefully at 5:45 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at his residence. He was born on Nov. 30, 1921, in Middlebury, to Abraham and Bena (Roth) Graber. On Aug. 21, 1948 in Clinton Brick Mennonite Church he married Cora Miller; she survives. Survivors in addition to his wife are four daughters, Linda …

Carol Jo Lopez-Pokorny, age 59, of Richland, formerly of Three Rivers, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Borgess Medical Center after a three year battle with cancer.  She was born on April 4, 1959 in Orange County, CA the daughter of Raymond and Josephine (Quintero) Lopez. Carol was employed at Parker Hannafin Corporation for several years.  She was also a …

Helen Louise Doyle, nee Ward, age 95, of Naperville, Ill., formerly of Sturgis and Chicago, passed away peacefully, Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at Edward Hospital of Naperville. She was born April 17, 1923, in Chicago, to her loving late parents, John and Matilda Ward. Survived by her cherished husband, William T. Doyle, wedded May 19, 1945; beloved mother of William (Janet) …