St. Joseph County Commissioner Rick Shaffer this week presented a gift to his peer, commissioner John Dobberteen, in recognition of Dobberteen’s years of service. Shaffer said he is finding himself in a reflective mood as his tenure as a commissioner comes to a close at the end of the year. On that note, he said Dobberteen has been an 18-year …

Flowerfield Township has agreed to retain the services of Three Rivers Fire and Marcellus fire departments for its ambulance service. A split vote on the matter occurred during a special meeting Tuesday. Township supervisor Carroll Parmeter suggested switching the service to Pride Care based on what he said amounted to a one-year cost increase of more than 2,000 percent proposed …

St. Joseph County Commissioner Don Eaton had sharp words for a Florence Township official who complained Tuesday about the state of Constantine Road. Gordon Evilsizor, who has regularly chastised commissioners for their lack of supporting a plan to fix the balance of Constantine Road through Florence Township, repeated his concerns during the citizen-comment portion of the agenda. Eaton said it …

A man accused of plowing his pickup truck into a group of Michigan bicyclists, killing five, was under the influence of drugs, a prosecutor said Wednesday as he added new charges. Charles Pickett Jr. was already facing second-degree murder charges in the June 7 crash. The additional charges, driving while intoxicated causing death, are significant because they give a glimpse …

Joyce May Hoyt, age 83, of Three Rivers passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at Fairview Living Center. She was born in Three Rivers, MI on October 6, 1932 the daughter of Roy Franklin and Jenny Bell (Kline) Haines. Joyce graduated from Three Rivers High School with the class of 1950. She was united …

Richard V. “Dick” Wolf, “Grandpa Wolf,” age 93, of Colon, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at home. Richard was born Nov. 7, 1922, in LaGrange, Ind., a son to the late Lester and Mildred Wolf. Richard was a lifelong resident of the Leonidas/Colon area. He first married Gladys Prolo. This marriage ended in divorce. He went on to …

Sara E. Blucker, 22, of White Pigeon, passed away Saturday afternoon, June 18, 2016. She was born Nov. 23, 1993, a daughter of Dan Blucker and Anita L. Flohe in Goshen, Ind. Sara had worked as a server at El Camino Real, Three Rivers. A loving mother, Sara cared deeply for her 8-week-old daughter, Zoey. She had a great interest …

A White Pigeon couple was injured after the boat on which they were riding over the weekend in Berrien County exploded. According to MLive Media Group, 63-year-old Kenneth Warren and Barbara Warren, 61, were aboard a 26-foot boat at Eagle Pointe Harbor Marina near the mouth of the St. Joseph River when the engine exploded around 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Kenneth …

Officials from Indiana Michigan Power wish to advise that the company is conducting inspections of overhead and ground-level equipment in areas throughout its service territory in Michigan to help ensure the reliability and safety of equipment. I&M has contracted with Osmose Utility Services to visually examine wires and other overhead equipment. Osmose employees will also inspect ground-level equipment located in …

The annual Sturgis Fest community celebration is offering Family Night this evening. The free event takes place 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Franks Park, where attractions such as kids’ carnival games, food and a vintage baseball game will be offered. In addition, a dog contest with prizes awarded in 11 categories takes place at 5:45 p.m. The vintage baseball game …