State Rep. Matt Lori on Tuesday voted for legislation that offers sales-tax relief for Michigan residents who buy new and used vehicles and watercraft. The House and Senate approved bills that eliminate buyers having to pay sales tax on the full price of a car, watercraft or recreational vehicle purchase without subtracting the value of trade-ins. Michigan is one of …

Several vehicles in White Pigeon Township were broken into during the early morning hours Oct. 9. State police investigators said the vehicles were parked in the 68000 block of Klinger Lake Road. Access was gained into unlocked vehicles, and a variety of valuables were subsequently taken. A homeowner reported seeing a black car in the area during the time of …

The Substance Abuse Task Force of St. Joseph County is hosting a Frontline Luncheon on prescription drug abuse in St. Joseph County from noon to 1 Oct. 30 in the Dresser Business Auditorium of Glen Oaks Community College. Dr. John Robertson, of Sturgis Health and Wellness, and a representative from the Michigan State Police, will be presenting at the event. …

Three Rivers Police Chief Tom Bringman said a savvy Lockport Township resident reported a potential phone scam this week. The resident was suspicious of the ploy and wished to report the incident to prevent people from falling for the scheme. Bringman said the resident received a call from someone who indicated a new Medicare card was soon to be issued, …

Mabel Miller, 87, died on October 19, 2013 in Union, Michigan. In accordance with Mabel’s wishes, she has been cremated. No services will be held at this time. Hohner Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Tonya Sue (Beard) Hutson, 49, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Oct. 20, 2013. She was born on Aug. 16, 1964 in Three Rivers the daughter of the late Charles M. and Marjorie Ann (Mills) Beard. She will be forever missed by her loving family, lifelong friend, Joseph “Joe” Hutson and …

Doris Yvonne Aronson, age 87, of Three Rivers, MI passed away with grace and dignity on Sunday, October 20 2013 at Riverview Manor Nursing Home. Doris was born on October 8, 1926 in Grand Rapids, MI the daughter of Samuel and Sophia(Keller)Stellar. Doris was an independent and forward thinker. She was also an avid reader of anything controversial. She had …

We missed the Annual Color Tour again this year. We spent the weekend of October 13 up north near West Branch and Gaylord. We would have enjoyed the Color Tour, but the colors up north were quite spectacular, plus, we were expected to attend an Appreciation Dinner for one of the governors on my council. We had fun visiting, and …

A 2014 allocation for the St. Joseph County Conservation District appears to be secured, as agency supporters successfully pleaded their case to county officials Monday. The district was at risk of losing its annual $14,000 allowance after county commission members last week unveiled St. Joseph County’s proposed 2014 fiscal year budget. Monday’s appeal included nearly an hour of discussion centering …

A Florence Township family of five escaped their burning residence early Sunday. Their residence, located in the 19000 block of Haybridge Road, was reported on fire around 7 a.m. and upon arrival, firefighters observed flames coming from the two-story residence. Though officials said it appears the fire started toward the rear of the home, which is undergoing renovation, the cause …