James Paul Noecker, 76, of Sturgis, died early Monday morning, Nov. 27, 2017, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo. Jim was born May 1, 1941, in Constantine, a son of Paul and Marion (Sartain) Noecker. He earned his degrees from University of Michigan, BBA in 1963 and JD in 1967. He worked as assistant prosecutor for St. Joseph County for …

Dr. Robert Lou Mowry of Sturgis passed away on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, at Borgess Gardens in Kalamazoo, following a brief illness. Bob was born Jan. 20, 1927, in Sturgis, and was the first born son to Russel L. and Mildred L. Mowry (Kelly). He grew up on his parents’ farm, graduated from Sturgis High School, and was a veteran …

Randall Roland Wadsworth, 74, of Sturgis, died Monday, Nov. 27, 2017, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, following a brief illness. Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Farrand Funeral Home in White Pigeon.

Shirley J. Modert, age 67, of Sturgis, passed away Saturday morning, Nov. 25, 2017, at Select Specialty Hospital in Battle Creek. She was born Feb. 17, 1950, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Mathias J. and Mary Rebecca (Mathews) Modert. Shirley resided in the Sturgis, White Pigeon and Bronson areas her entire life. She had been employed in the …

Joan was loving, caring and always put other’s needs before her own. Joan (Walsh) Mroczek was born February 6, 1933 and took her last breath peacefully at home on November 22, 2017, just 2 days after Walter, her husband of 61 years passed away. Joan was born in Chicago where she later graduated college and became a school teacher.  While …

Nottawa Community School has been nominated by the Michigan Department of Education to apply for 2017 Title I “Distinguished School” status. Title I is a federal program providing funding to local school districts to improve the academic achievement of disadvantaged students. The National Title I Association gives the distinguished status to Title I funded schools that demonstrate strengths, including team …

Minor injuries were reported following a two-vehicle accident last week in Mottville Township. Sheriff’s deputies said a car driven by 28-year-old Justin Papesh of Dowagiac was heading north on U.S. 131 at 5:40 a.m. Tuesday, when it crossed the centerline, according to authorities. His vehicle struck a southbound car driven by Elias Faraeas, 36, of Sturgis. The head-on crash occurred …

Sturgis city commissioners have reappointed Robert Hile mayor and Jon Good vice- mayor at a recent organizational meeting. Hile, who has served on the commission for 6 1/ 2 years, was named mayor last year after serving five years as vice-mayor. Following a unanimous vote, Hile expressed his gratitude to the board. He is an agent for Ayres Insurance. Meanwhile, Good …

Four reappointments to the St. Joseph County Planning Commission were made by the county commission last week. Returning to the planning commission to serve three-year terms are Gregg Dohm of Sturgis, Three Rivers-area residents Robert Horton and Rick Shaffer, and county commission board representative Kathy Pangle, a Mendon resident. Their terms begin Jan. 1.

Carroll R. Fisher, age 72, of rural Centreville, died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Bono, Arkansas on Oct. 18, 1945 the son of Joe Bob and Ellen (Webb) Fisher. He was married to Sharon Carter on July 31, 1966 in Martinsville, Indiana and they have resided in Michigan since 1969. …