St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation officials helped oversee a controlled burn last week at Plumb Lake County Park in Burr Oak Township. Agency director Jaymes MacDonald said a company that specializes in conducting controlled burns, and in projects that promote indigenous habitat growth, was secured to execute the task. MacDonald said last Wednesday’s burn will help remove layers of …

Michigan State Police troopers responded to a larceny-from-a-motor-vehicle incident in Mottville Township. Investigators said the incident occurred during a 12-hour period Feb. 18 in the 6000 block of U.S. 131. Troopers said 28 power cords were stolen from 27 different recreational vehicles. Each RV sustained damage to a side compartment door lock that housed the electrical power cords.

Here’s a reminder that COVID-19 vaccine appointments are posted to the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency at 9 a.m. every Monday. Agency officials said the public is also welcome to check the website’s appointment schedule throughout the week in case any appointments are posted due to cancellation. People currently eligible for immunizations include healthcare workers, long-term care workers and residents …

Clara E. Beechy, age 90, of Centreville, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 at her daughter’s home. Clara was born on July 10, 1930 in Yoder, Kansas, a daughter of the late Enos and Polly (Bontrager) Mullet. She married Eli Beechy on January 18, 1951. He would later precede her in death. Clara is survived by her children: Sarah (Joe) …

Dallas L. Warren, age 63, of Mottville, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at his home following an extended illness. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20, at White Pigeon Township Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon. Memorial donations may be made to Three Rivers Hospice.

Flora May Cornwell, age 88, of Mottville Township, White Pigeon, died on Wednesday, March 3, 2021, at her home following an extended illness. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

A Cassopolis man was pulled from a Marcellus Township lake after he fell through ice over the weekend. Sheriff Richard Behnke said deputies were called shortly before 3 p.m. Sunday to Saddlebag Lake, where 58-year-old Ronald First was submerged in the water and unable to lift himself onto the ice. Rescue personnel were successful in pulling First from the water …

Members of the Three Rivers Library Board turned down a Park Township offer regarding library services. Unless an agreement between the two entities is reached, the current contract will expire next week. Library officials met Wednesday and its members opted to not accept a $15,000-a-year counteroffer they received from township officials. If an agreement is not reached before March 19, …

A reminder to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed this next Saturday night. Yes, you lose one hour of sleep, but the days are getting longer, which means you’ll be able to get Out and About, and stay out to enjoy more daylight activities. I’m not sure if March came in like a lion or a …

Theodore M. (Ted) Schipper, age 92, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his son’s home in Colon. Ted was born July 18, 1928 in Allendale a son to the late Minord M. & Anna M. (VanSingle) Schipper. He grew up in Allendale on the family dairy farm and moved to Colon in 1957 where  he has resided since. Ted …