The deadline for prospective participants to register for the second annual Paddle for Paws event and picnic is Monday. Organizers said the June 22 event, which benefits Up-Cycled Pets, involves paddling the Rocky River. Canoes and kayaks will be available for rent or prospective participants may bring their own watercraft. Paddlers should meet at Liquid Therapy in Three Rivers at …

John H. Blood, age 92, of Three Rivers passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 4, 2013. John was born October 24, 1920 in Howardsville, MI to the late Carl and Mabelle(Musser)Blood. John served his country honorably in the United States Air Force during WWII. One June 24, 1944 he was united in marriage to the former Bernice L. …

Hello. My name is Milo. I am a german shepherd/sheltie mix and I need a home. My family brought me to Animal Control because they said they couldn’t keep me anymore. I am about 7 years old, brown with medium short hair and a curly tail. I am good on a leash and housetrained AND I have already been neutered. …

Looking to the county’s future courts- and law-related matters, St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners is exploring the idea of a county-campus development on the east end of Centreville. The five-member board during a work session Wednesday identified an area of about 15 acres of land south of Industrial Parkway as a potential location for a courts building and an …

The White Pigeon Township Board of Trustees approved its 2013-14 fiscal year budget this week. The five-member board Tuesday approved its $455,000 budget, which is less than its budget one year earlier. Clerk David Girton said projected expenses from the general fund are $221,467, while expenses from the township’s fire department and cemetery fund are expected to be $177,300 and …

St. Joseph County officials have agreed to move forward with the idea of promoting St. Joseph County to the Chicago region. During a work session that included all five county commissioners Wednesday, county administrator Pat Yoder said he will work with officials from 2 Fish marketing and look at steps toward developing a concrete plan. Commissioner Don Eaton, a leading …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department has revived its Honor Guard, county commissioner Rick Shaffer announced this week. During commissioner comments at the conclusion of Tuesday’ meeting, Shaffer said the five-person team will be called upon to serve at funerals for dignitaries, retired or current police officers, or fire department personnel. Shaffer said the quintet is comprised of active sheriff’s …

Several fire departments responded to a blaze Wednesday afternoon at Southern Michigan Rubber, located on M-60 in Cass County’s Newberg Township. The fire reportedly started in a dust collector which is located in an area where rubber gaskets are manufactured. Twenty workers escaped from the building when the fire was discovered. The facility was a total loss.

Michigan lawmakers are approving the first significant increase in hunting and fishing license fees since 1997. Legislation passed 77-32 by the Republican-led state House Wednesday raises about $20 million more, a 40 percent boost. The money would let Michigan hire more conservation officers and improve parks, trails and habitat. The measure would create a new base hunting license costing $10 …

Norman E. Collins, 76, formerly of Sturgis, died peacefully on Feb. 4, 2013 in Venice, Fla. He was born Aug. 25, 1936, in Lancaster, N.Y. Norm is survived by his wife, Anne, married 53 years; three daughters, Susan (Frank) DiLeonardo of Chicago, Lori (Craig) Wildasin of Venice, Fla. and Cynthia (Jason) Parker of Cedar Springs; six grandchildren, Tyler, Brooke and …