I stay away from discussing politics and religion, because they just aren’t worth arguing about. I’d rather focus on local happenings and things that might make you feel life is definitely worth living. I’m not sure what category this next topic might fall under. I wouldn’t bring it up if it weren’t for a letter I received from an inmate …

DTE Energy has been leasing easement rights from property owners in Matteson Township and other Branch County townships, as the company explores the possibility of developing a wind-energy park. Matteson Township Board members last week held a special meeting in Bronson, where more than 100 people gathered to hear about the pros and cons of wind energy. Matteson Township Planning …

Members of Constantine’s board of education have announced that Holly Cerny is the school’s new resource officer. Superintendent Steve Wilson said village police chief Mark Honeysett confirmed that Cerny would fill the position. Wilson said Cerny has worked with the DARE program, previously served as the school liaison and has taught a program called TEAM. Wilson said Cerny will be …

Glen Oaks Community College has tapped Vonda Marrow to serve as its executive director of the Glen Oaks Community College Foundation. Marrow, who began the job March 5, will lead the college’s advancement initiatives. She will continue to build and retain relationships with alumni and friends of the college to establish funds, which will in turn provide scholarship assistance to …

The Constantine Village Council earlier this month approved amendments to medical marijuana permits. Permits for a grow operation and a processing center were issued Feb. 19 to Brett Thompson and Terry Rodino, co-owners of Apogee Processing. Village manager Mark Honeysett said there are no changes proposed except for the names of the facilities. He reiterated that the owner/applicant is unchanged …

James S. McDaniel, age 87, of Seymour, IN died at 8:55 p.m. May 19, 2018, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour. James was born July 4, 1930, in Columbus, IN the son of John and Lavera Thornburg McDaniel.  He married Virginia M. Proffitt June 18, 1955, and she preceded him in death May 18, 2016. He retired as a letter …

Richard A. Hopkins, age 98, of Sturgis, passed away Monday afternoon, May 21, 2018, at Three Rivers Health, with his children at his side. He was born May 19, 1920, in Sturgis, a son of the late Arthur A. and Florence Abbey) Hopkins. Dick resided most of his life in Sturgis and was a graduate of Sturgis High School with …

Richard H. Beatty Sr., age 80, of Constantine, passed away peacefully at 1:22 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2018, surrounded by his family, at Sturgis Hospital. He was born April 25, 1938, in Sparta, N.J., a son of the late Eldridge and Lillian (Willis) Beatty. Richard resided in Constantine since 2000, coming from Three Rivers. He retired from American Electroids Inc. …

Pedro Monroy-Botello, age 19, of Centreville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, May 21, 2018. Pedro was born in Queretaro, Mexico on April 14, 1999, a son of Andres Monroy-Martinez and Rosa Botello-Gonzales. He was a graduating senior from Centreville High School, class of 2018. Pedro enjoyed fishing, playing video games, and had a passion for cars, especially classic cars. He …

Charles E. Benton, age 71, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, May 20, 2018. He had been fighting cancer for the past five years. He was born Sept. 5, 1946, in Sturgis, a son of Guila M. Benton. Charlie had resided in Colon and Sturgis. His early life was spent in Bronson, Fulton, Kalkaska, Mesick and Maple City, where he finished …