Bertha Beatrice Taylor, 85, transitioned on March 10, 2013. Survived by daughter Alice (James) Johnson, Columbia, Tenn.; son, Larry Taylor, Three Rivers; six grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren; a host of other relatives and friends. Family visitation Saturday, March 16 from 11 a.m. — noon at St. James COGIC in Memphis, Tenn. Interment Bethlehem Cemetery, Moscow, Tenn.

Kenneth M. Abbott, 53, of White Pigeon, died Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at his home, following an extended illness. He was born March 11, 1959, in Detroit, a son of Kenneth and Joyce (Clayton) Abbott. He was resident of White Pigeon for 30 years, coming from Union, and was the owner of Ken’s Chimney Sweep and Tree Service and also had …

William L. Dury, age 82, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday morning, March 13, 2013, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating the …

Roscoe is a handsome male husky mix, between 4 and 5 years of age and 50 lbs. He has been fixed. This beautiful blue eyed boy is very sweet and gentle. He loves to just hang out and get lots of attention. He enjoys playing with soft toys. His docket # is 11263. You can visit Roscoe and other adoptable …

Amy Roth, director of the Three Rivers Public Services Department, said the city will not conduct a leaf or brush pickup this spring. Roth issued a reminder that it is against city ordinance to place yard waste or debris in the street or terrace area. Residents must make their own arrangements to dispose of yard waste, limbs and brush, Roth …

The South Bend-based Friends of the St. Joe River Association will stage its sixth annual meeting Monday at the Sturges-Young Auditorium, in Sturgis. Matt Meersman, president of the not-for-profit association, said the annual meetings are typically staged in Sturgis or Three Rivers because they are central to the 5,000-square-mile The event typically draws county and township officials, lake association representatives, …

The Mendon High School girls basketball team received state accolades earlier this week. Leasa Griffith was named Class D coach of the year by the Michigan Associated Press. Griffith oversaw a squad that finished 19-2, with its only losses coming to Niles Brandywine and Athens, a pair of state-ranked teams still in the playoffs. In addition, junior Brooke Howard was …

Two people were taken to Three Rivers Health for injuries sustained in a two-vehicle accident shortly after 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon in Park Township. The St Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said a 21-year-old Vicksburg woman was driving west on Michigan Avenue when her vehicle was struck on the driver’s side as she attempted to turn left onto Parkville Road. The …

The last basketball team in St. Joseph County still in the state playoffs was defeated Wednesday. The White Pigeon boys basketball squad was stopped by Schoolcraft, 73-44, in a regional final at Constantine High School. The Chiefs finish the season 15 and 9, while Schoolcraft advances with a 23 and 2 record

Ora Hostetler, 88, of White Pigeon, died Monday, March 11, 2013, at his home of natural causes. He was born Nov. 15, 1924, in Elkhart County, Ind., a son of Samuel and Barbara (Chupp) Hostetler. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Europe in World War II Decorations, included three Overseas Service Bars, Eastern Theater Ribbon with one silver …