Legislation by state Rep. Matt Lori allowing rifles to be used for hunting in the southern Lower Peninsula with special cartridges is now a new rule initiated by the Natural Resources Commission. The NRC approved the order in response to a bill introduced by Lori. Rifles have not been permitted for hunting in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula …

Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a hit-and-run property damage accident last week in Constantine Township. Around 10:20 p.m. Thursday, a Ford passenger car was attempting to proceed westbound across U.S. 131 on Riverside Drive. The Ford passenger car was struck by a light-colored passenger car heading southbound. The suspect vehicle is described as a four-door …

Mr. Ervin Abraham Graber, age 89, of Constantine, passed away early Saturday morning, June 14, 2014 surrounded by his loving family following a brief illness.  He was born in Middlebury, IN., on May 28, 1925 the son of the late Abraham and Bena (Roth) Graber. Following high school in Middlebury, Ervin attended Eastern Mennonite College in Goshen, IN.  In the …

David Dalponte, 66, of Three Rivers, passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2014 at Bronson Hospital. David was born on April 27, 1948 the son of Frank and Elaine (Huber) Dalponte. David leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 35 years, Kathleen (Stahl) Dalponte, to whom he was united in marriage on Sept. 16, 1978. In accordance with …

Police are continuing their investigation into an armed-robbery incident Wednesday in Three Rivers. According to police, an employee of Broadway Market had closed the store for the night. As the victim was walking toward his vehicle just before midnight, three masked men approached him. They were displaying guns and demanded his wallet, investigators said. They fled the scene on foot …

State Rep. Matt Lori said the equity gap that exists between larger and smaller school districts was narrowed this week, with House approval of Bill 5314, which establishes the School-Aid Fund for the coming fiscal year. Besides adding $50 in per-pupil funding for all students, the bill also designates another $125 per pupil for smaller schools, closing the equity gap …

Two vehicles parked in a field were damaged this week in Mendon Township. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said the incident occurred Tuesday night in a field near the intersection of Taylor and Nottawa roads. The nature of the damage was not indicated in a department media release.

Anderson’s has named Mendon-area resident Samantha Griffith its 2014 National Cover Teen. The 18-year-old Griffith was selected after a nationwide contest this past winter. Troy Ethen, president of Anderson’s, said the annual Cover Teen competition recognizes teens who are leaders in their communities and an inspiration to others. Griffith has been a member of Mendon’s student council, National Honor Society, …

It’s a job killer and it needs to change. That’s the message from multiple Michigan retailers who say they’re frustrated with losing sales to big online stores. They’re taking that message to Washington D.C., asking lawmakers to force online retailers to charge sales tax. Michigan Retailers Association spokesman Tom Scott says if retailers inside the state of Michigan are required …

Carol Ann Chartrand, age 71, of Mendon, died Thursday June 12, 2014 at her home following a long illness. She was born in Blue Island, IL on Nov. 22, 1942 the only child of Earl and Arleene (Speece) Sutton. Following her father’s death her mother brought her to the Three Rivers area. She attended the Moorepark Elementary School and later …