The House Tourism Committee last week approved a bill allowing limited use of rifles for deer hunting in an area now limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders and pistols. Introduced by State Rep. Matt Lori, the bill would allow the use of a straight-walled pistol cartridge in rifles that can accommodate such ammunition. The pistol cartridges do not travel as far as …

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced a six-week road project impacting traffic on U.S. 12 in Cass County. MDOT’s Nick Schirripa said the agency starting Wednesday will be resurfacing U.S. 12 from M-62 in Edwardsburg to Mason Street in Union, and M-217 from the state line to U.S. 12 in Union. There will be single-lane closures under flag control, …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department last week investigated a breaking-and-entering incident at a residence in Colon Township. Investigators said someone entered a seasonal residence in the 56000 block of Stowell Road between April 27 and May 10. A bed mattress, box spring and washing machine were stolen from the residence.

Nearly two dozen Sturgis High School graduates-to-be were recipients of the Sturgis Area Community Foundation Scholarship Reception for 2013. The recent program featured scholarship recipients and representatives from the families who helped make the awards possible. Close to $110,000 was awarded to students in educational and camp scholarship awards. Since 1999, more than 650 students have received in excess of …

Lyle Dean Livingston, age 84, was called to heaven in the early morning hours of Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Lyle was born on February 19, 1929 in Springport Township, Michigan to LD and Madeline (McMurtrie) Livingston. Lyle is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Betty Arlene (Carter) …

Emory E. Dailey, age 87, of Three Rivers died Saturday May 11, 2013 at Three Rivers Health following a one-month illness. He was born on Nov. 6, 1925 in Three Rivers the son of John Preston Dailey and Cecile (Jones) Dailey and has been a Three Rivers resident for most of his life. He served in the Pacific Theater with …

Frederick Homer “Woody” Woods, age 83 of Three Rivers died Saturday May 11, 2013 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Little Egypt, Ohio on April 15, 1930 the son of Rollen Henry Woods and Rose (Julian) Woods. Fred was married to Elizabeth “Betty” Dokey in 1949 while living in Vicksburg. Fred was a butcher for …

An 80-year-old Three Rivers man was not injured after the vehicle he was driving ended up in a creek Wednesday in Fabius Township The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Fred Soukup was driving west on Coon Hollow Road when he lost control of his vehicle around 5:30 p.m. and went off the roadway near Ferguson Road. Deputies said Soukup’s …

State Rep. Matt Lori played a role in a package of bills approved this week by the House Criminal Justice Committee. Three of the bills lower the blood-alcohol content level from the current 0.10 to 0.08 percent for operators of boats, off-road vehicles and snowmobiles. Lori’s portion of the bills is specific to watercraft. Meanwhile, Lori’s Crime Stoppers bill establishes …

Barbara Joann Huftile, age 78, of Sturgis, went to be with her Lord and Savior early Wednesday morning, May 8, 2013, at her home, with her husband at her side. She was born Dec. 2, 1934, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Samuel E. and Helen (Tennent) Large. Barbara was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis …