State Rep. Aaron Miller last week said he will continue exploring options to lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers. Miller voted ‘yes’ on House Bill 5013, which would guarantee lower car insurance rates for all Michigan drivers – with the greatest savings going to seniors. The bill, however, did not pass in a vote late last week in …

A man charged with two murders in July has been found competent to stand trial. Zachary Michael Patten, 32, of Portage, also waived his preliminary during a recent hearing in St. Joseph County District Court. Prosecutor John McDonough said a status conference will be held by the end of November. Patten was found competent following a psychological evaluation at Center …

Gary Jay VanHeukelum, age 83, of Three Rivers, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursay, Nov. 2nd, 2017.  Gary was born on June 1, 1934 in Hudsonville, MI., the son of the late Louis and Johanna (Vruggink) VanHeukelum. Gary graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1952 and later from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree.  On Nov. …

Paul Kenneth VanOver, age 63, of Marcellus, passed away surrounded by family on the morning of Thursday, November 2, 2017. Paul was born December 18, 1953 to Lawrence and Gertrude (Butler) VanOver in Fort Worth, Texas. He spent a majority of his life here in Southwest Michigan. As a young man he lived in Florida where he met and married …

Keith C. Carr, 86, of White Pigeon, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis, following an extended illness. He was born March 3, 1931, in Elkhart, a son of Claude and Esther (Dickman) Carr. He was a resident of White Pigeon since 1954 and a veteran of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was …

Edwardsburg 30,  Three Rivers 12 Cassopolis 31,  Reading 16 Mendon 26, Muskegon Catholic Central 15

William Leon Price, age 90, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 1, 2017, at his home. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating the life of William Price will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Light and Life Wesleyan Church in Three Rivers. The Rev. Sam Maddox will officiate. The …

Two men were charged with attempted murder and drug-related offenses following an incident earlier this week in Park Township. Prosecutor John McDonough said the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics Unit, along with another deputy, set up an undercover buy for an undisclosed quantity of methamphetamine. The sale was set up to take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday outside a business …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week voted for a bill that paves the way for Michigan to join the Interstate Library Compact and allow local libraries to enter into agreements for full access to libraries across state lines. Currently, Michigan is not a member and residents who live close to state borders have been denied the use of library facilities …

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair Board has added two volunteers to its Hall of Fame. Honorees were Joan Lindsley and Jim Gushwa. Lindsley has served the St. Joseph County 4-H program for more than 50 years. During that time, she was actively supporting youth with various projects. Lindsley for the past several years has organized the annual market livestock …