Larry “Bubba” Bidelman of Decatur slipped peacefully into Jesus’s hands early Monday morning, June 6, 2016. Larry is survived by his wife, Elizabeth D. Bidelman; children, Rob (Jessica) Bidelman, Steve (Eileen Gallagher) Bidelman, Laura (Sam Grear) Stensland, Douglas (Amanda) Hattan. Grandchildren, McKenna, Maya, Carter, Emma, Zac, Parker, Sara, Drew and Riley. Brothers, Patrick Bidelman and Mark (Doreen) Bidelman. Very special …

Two separate investigations concluded this week, both netting drug-related arrests. St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department officials said a 32-year-old man, whose name and community of residence were not included in a department media release, was arrested Thursday on charges of delivery of methamphetamine and possession of meth. He was arrested in the 1100 block of Nottawa Street in Sturgis after …

St. Joseph County has hired an additional community corrections staff member. During Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners OK’d the employment of Matthew Huff. He will work 30 hours a week to cover obligations related to Community Corrections in the absence of coordinator Erin Goff. Judge Jeff Middleton, chairman of the Community Corrections Advisory Board, said Goff is on medical leave. Middleton noted …

State Rep. Aaron Miller this week applauded passage of state budget plans by the Legislature, encouraged that the fiscal blueprint makes investments in areas important to Michiganders. Miller voted in favor of both the General Fund and School Aid Fund budgets. The bills now go to the governor for consideration. He said an important aspect of the School Aid Fund …

Officials from the St. Joseph County Conservation District are issuing a reminder that the first of six river cleanup events takes place next week on the St. Joseph River. The agency is looking for volunteers to lend a hand for a few hours June 18, as it will work to clear litter and debris from a 2 1/2-mile stretch of …

Authorities say they’re investigating the death of a woman whose body was found alongside a rural southwestern Michigan road as suspicious. The Kalamazoo County sheriff’s department says in a statement that the body of 32-year-old Gabrielle Irene Smith of Plainwell was found Tuesday afternoon in Texas Township. The cause and circumstances of her death are under investigation Thursday. Smith’s body …

A 50-year-old driver of a pickup truck that struck a group of bicyclists killing five of them was charged Thursday with five counts of second degree murder. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeffrey Getting also charged Charles Pickett Jr. of Battle Creek on Thursday with four counts of reckless driving in the crash Tuesday that injured four others in Cooper Township north …

Carl A. Pinkerton, age 73, of Constantine, passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at his home. He was born on August 26, 1945 in Three Rivers the son of Luther and Ocia (Sell) Pinkerton. In accordance with Carl’s wishes cremation has been conducted and there will be no public services held at this time.

Hi! My name is Nala and I am a female lab mix. I’m about 6 years old and already spayed. I need some work on walking on a leash but I like to be with people. I have been around cats and never bothered them. My coat is interesting – black with brindle markings. I would really like to find …

The chair of the St. Joseph County Conservation District is encouraging people to learn more about the hemp plant and its diversity of uses. Carol Higgins said a great opportunity exists later this week, when the Rivieria Theatre in Three Rivers will show “Grow Our Future,” a short-feature film. Higgins said the 52-minute movie focuses on the numerous ways industrial …