Patty Ann Farris, beloved daughter, sister, mom and grandma, was called home to heaven on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2017, after a courageous battle with ALS. Patty was born May, 13, 1955, a daughter of Jim and Evelyn Melville. Patty loved NASCAR, especially Jimmie Johnson, baseball, going to the casino, country music and spending time with family. A lot of her …

Betty J. Grams, 85, of Aldrich Lake, Sturgis, died Thursday, Sept. 14, 2017, at her home, following an extended illness. She was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Sturgis, a daughter of Ivan and Grace (McGary) Notestine. She was a resident of the Aldrich Lake area most of her life. She was a homemaker, enjoyed playing cards, bingo, bowling and trips …

Sturgis police are expected to pursue charges against a Sturgis couple – already incarcerated in LaGrange County, Ind. – following the execution of a search warrant. According to a department media release, officers followed through on the warrant Wednesday in the 700 block of Market Street. A search of the residence revealed what authorities called a makeshift chop shop located …

A fifth-wheel travel trailer was stolen last week from a residence in Mottville Township, according to state police. Investigators were called Thursday morning to the 69000 block of U.S. 131, where a 2018 Riverstone Legacy trailer was stolen sometime between 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. Thursday. The travel trailer is tan and brown in color. Troopers said suspects also …

State Rep. Aaron Miller was joined last week by two intermediate school district superintendents in testifying before the House Education Reform Committee in support of legislation to expand the scope of eligible institutions for post-secondary education for dual enrollment purposes. Miller said lawmakers’ commitment to high school dual enrollments should not be dictated by a state’s boundaries where it makes …

Linda L. McClain, 69, of Constantine, passed away on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Grace Healthcare of Three Rivers. Linda was born in Three Rivers on March 5, 1948, a daughter of Charles and Betty Jean (Young) McClain. She graduated from Constantine High School in 1966 and later went to beauty school. Linda loved dogs, cats, and birds, and attended …

Western Michigan University is planning to replace 12 residence halls on campus. The Kalamazoo Gazette reports that university officials sought input from students and faculty Thursday on what to include in the new residence halls. The forum was the first of three meetings the project’s design and planning team will hold. Students asked for amenities such as recreational rooms, computer …

Dale E. Velie, age 86, of rural Mendon, died Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Battle Creek. He was born in Centreville, on May 11, 1931 the son of Samuel and Effie (Mellivan) Velie and has been a lifetime resident of St. Joseph County. He received his high school diploma from Centreville High School. Dale was …

Logan G. Lamons, age 27, of Marcellus, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, September 14, 2017. He was born June 21, 1990 in Dowagiac, the son of Debora N. (Eggleston) Lamons and Mitchell Glenn Lamons. Logan loved his family dearly and enjoyed all kinds of music. He was a social person and just enjoyed being around people. He would help anyone in …

Lawrence B. Watson DVM, age 101, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away Sept. 6, 2017, at Lakeland Regional Health, following a brief illness. He was born July 23, 1916, in Adams County, Ind., a son of the late Lawrence E. and Margaret J. (Dunwiddie) Watson. Lawrence lived most of his life in southern Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State College of …