The State House this week approved a bill introduced by State Rep. Matt Lori, allowing courts to consider the best interest of a child when revoking a father’s paternal rights. Lori said House Bill 5473 is a continuation of constituent-driven legislation that he has authored to protect the rights of fathers in child custody cases. The legislation is part of …

HI! My name is Darla and I am a female tri-color terrier mix. I’m about three years old and am a very sweet little girl. I’m not very big – about 17 pounds – so I can fit in with your family very nicely. I don’t mind being with other dogs and I am a playful and happy little girl. …

The 164th St. Joseph County Grange Fair hosts Ladies Day today, as the fair has passed the halfway point of its seven-day run. The lineup of events today includes a master gardeners demonstration, small- and large-animal sale, Do-It Herself presentation by Home Depot and music from the band Deadwood. Tonight’s grandstand entertainment is a free concert put on by the …

A Portage man was treated for minor injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday in Park Township. Sheriff’s officials said Raymond Barclay, 32, was driving east on Moorepark Road around 2:20 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the centerline, went off the roadway, struck trees and overturned in a ditch near North Fisher Lake Road. Barclay was wearing …

The Three Rivers Downtown Harvest Market, organized by the Huss Project, is taking place every Saturday in September and October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 34 N. Main Street. Eight local growers are currently represented, with seasonal fruit and vegetables, maple syrup, honey, jam and baked goods. To inquire about becoming a vendor, contact Rob Vander Giessen-Reitsma at 269-816-2140.

The Fabius Township Citizens Coalition is staging its annual meeting next week. The event starts with a meet-and-greet session at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Three Rivers Community Center, followed by a potluck supper. Then, a short business meeting for the election of officers takes place before the main program, which will feature 59th District candidates for state representative …

Allen Lee Anderson passed away Monday, Sept. 15, 2014 at home. Al was born Jan. 26, 1935, the son of Elmer and Mildred (Romig) Anderson in Three Rivers. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Anderson of Three Rivers whom he married Oct. 5, 1991; his brother, Leslie (Barb) Anderson, and sister, Nancy Peters of Traverse City. Two step-sons, William …

Crystal Tokarski, previously from Colon, passed away unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nev. She was born Dec. 17, 1978.A memorial and celebration of Crystal’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Colon Fire Department barn, 1063 M-86, Colon, MI 49040. The family requests instead of flowers …

Today is Seniors Day at the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. The fourth day of the seven-day fair features an open-class beef show, draft-horse halter show, bingo, 4-H open-class dairy cattle show, harness racing and barnyard horse pulls. Tonight’s showcase event at the grandstand is bull riding and barrel racing at 7 o’clock. Tickets for the event are $12 for …

Funding for a proposed recreation trail between Three Rivers and Fabius Township has received a $10,000 boost from the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The amount was requested during Tuesday’s county commission meeting by River Country Recreational Authority member Lindsay Oswald. Oswald, who also serves as the county’s grant writer, said a significant amount of money in matching funds …