Parenting is probably the most challenging task a person can undertake. In most cases, learning how to parent is strictly on-the-job training. Oh, you can take classes on how to properly parent, or how to handle certain situations, but these classes and handbooks are most of the time written or conducted by individuals who have never been parents. It is …

Carolyn Ruth Weiderman, 80, of White Pigeon, died Saturday, April 4, 2015, at The Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac, following a short illness. She was born Jan. 1, 1935, in Lima, Ohio, a daughter of John and Edith Huston. She grew up and graduated from Burr Oak High School, but lived most of her adult life in White Pigeon. …

Reconstruction of East West Street, from North Nottawa Street to North Lakeview Avenue, was slated to begin Monday in Sturgis. There will be no through traffic allowed during the construction phase. Detour signs will be posted. In addition, street lights will be removed for the reconstruction. Overhead lights are being installed during construction as a temporary measure and the decorative …

The River Country Tourism Council recently conducted elections and announced a new slate of officers for the two-year term of 2015 to 2017. Officers are: President Herb Howard of America’s Best Value Inn & Suites, Three Rivers; Vice President Beth Hubbard, Corey Lake Orchard, Three Rivers; Treasurer BK Patel, Holiday Inn Express, Three Rivers; and Secretary Victor Naik, The Hampton …

Remonumentation contract agreements with three different companies highlight the agenda for today’s St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners meeting. The contracts are likely to be signed with Mostrom and Associates, Car and Associates, and Keiser Land Surveying. Also on the agenda is the county’s annual equalization report. In addition, a Nottawa Park Campground attendant agreement with Denise Franklin, and an …

A White Pigeon man was arrested last month in LaGrange County, Ind., on several drug charges, including possession of cocaine. Jose Rubio, 21, was jailed along with Rafael L. Luna, 29, of LaGrange, following a traffic stop near Howe. County deputies said the vehicle in which Rubio and Luna were riding was stopped for an equipment violation A search of …

Shaggy the dog, who wandered the Grand Rapids area for months before his capture, is making strides at an animal rescue and rehab facility. The Grand Rapids Press reports Shaggy, an 18-month-old Newfoundland mix, is among 13 other undomesticated dogs being taught to trust people at The Devoted Barn about 30 miles south of Detroit. The facility’s owner, Melissa Borden, …

A federal appeals court has upheld a judge’s ruling that bars a central Michigan city from enforcing a bans on charity collection bins. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati on Monday upheld a Grand Rapids federal judge’s 2014 decision to issue a temporary restraining order against the city of St. Johns. The group Planet Aid sued the …

A new celebration of magic is coming to southwestern Michigan in an effort to boost business in a small community and attract more visitors. “31 Flavors of Magic” takes place Saturday in Colon, with shows at a dozen locations and magicians performing for kids and adults, the Battle Creek Enquirer reported. The event is hosted by International Brotherhood of Magicians …

Sometimes fate taps you on the shoulder and you’re forced to make a split-second decision. For Muskegon County Sheriff’s Lt. Mark Burns, that moment came two weeks ago. “It was my turn and it was my time to take action,” Burns told The Muskegon Chronicle ( http://bit.ly/1F0OKVo ) talking about an incident involving a fellow law enforcement officer he’s credited …