A state wildlife biologist says a shorter winter could help deer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. David Jentoft with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the winter “was shorter than it has been for a while.” He tells the Evening News of Sault Ste. Marie (http://bit.ly/1Zmbsn1 ) that longer winters are harder on the deer herd. Recent bitter winters had …

Robert L. Howe, age 74, of Mottville, passed away Saturday, March 19, 2016 at his home.  He was born on August 10, 1941, a son of Lorin and Ida (Cole) Howe in Howell, MI.  He attended Fowlerville Schools and went on to serve in the U.S. Army.  On January 27, 1978, he married Debra Beers in Constantine. Robert worked for …

Jean L. Miller, age 86, of Three Rivers, died Thursday, March 17, 2016 at her home. Jean has been a resident of Three Rivers since 1962, and was a member of the Grant Chapel. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am Wednesday March 23, 2016 at the Grant Chapel, where services will begin at 11 am with Rev. Pamela …

The January unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by six-tenths of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 3.7 percent January unemployment rate was higher than December’s 3.1 percent. January’s unemployment rate, however, was 1.7 percent less than the same month one …

A new Adult Protective Services Centralized Intake process was made official during a signing-in ceremony Friday in Centreville. Led by probate court judge David Tomlinson, the signing-in marks the culmination of a plan nearly six years in the making. The intake process ensures referrals are sent to the local office in a timely manner. Furthermore, updates to the 2016 St. …

State Rep. Aaron Miller has announced office hours for an informal gathering later this month in Cass County. Miller invites residents to join him 8 to 9 a.m. March 30 at the Broadway Café, 158 S.  Broadway St., in Cassopolis. Miller said connecting face-to-face with people in communities throughout the district is one of the most rewarding aspects of being …

Marge Caid, band director at Constantine High School, recently received a $2,500 grant from Farmers Grow Rural Education, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund. A former band student, Sheryl Miller applied for the grant, which gives farmers the opportunity to nominate a rural public school district in their community to receive funds. In 2016, Monsanto Fund grants totaling $2.3 million were …

If you are like me, every once in a while, a song comes on the radio that you swear was written for you. Whether the song relates to a situation in your life, your job, a relationship or whatever the event, certain songs can put into words what you are feeling or going through, sometimes in perfect clarity. Some songs …

Roy Leon Hackenberg, 98, of Three Rivers, passed away on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living Center, Ann Arbor. Roy was born on March 13, 1918 in Flowerfield Township, Michigan the son of Frank Arthur and Lillie Belle (Kline) Hackenberg. Roy graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1936. On Jan. 28, 1941 he was united in marriage …

Mrs. Vera May Young, age 89, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the Riverview Manor Nursing Home following a lengthy illness. She was born on May 8, 1926 in Three Rivers, MI. the daughter of the late Ray and Marie (Spooner) Fitch. Mrs. Young has been a lifetime resident of Three Rivers. Following graduation …