The St. Joseph County Animal Control Advisory Board had a long list of accomplishments in 2012, its first full year. Former board chairperson Lynda Molter presented the panel’s inaugural annual report to members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Molter said a major accomplishment was the animal shelter getting rid of its gas chamber, a euthanasia chamber …

State Rep. Matt Lori on Tuesday announced the St. Joseph County Grange Fair will receive a $20,000 state grant to fund construction of an educational exhibit pavilion to showcase beef. The county is participating in the County Fairs Capital Improvement Program, which provides Michigan’s county fairs with funds for proposed enhancements to fairgrounds across the state. Lori said agriculture has …

Several dozen marijuana plants and a large amount of marijuana were discovered following the execution of a search warrant by members of the St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit, at a home in the 2800 block of Bonham Road in Colon Township. Two subjects were arrested at the scene for manufacturing marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, maintaining a …

A business founded in Sturgis nine years ago is moving its operations to LaGrange County, Ind. Lake Area Designs, which manufactures wood furniture and custom moulding for the recreational-vehicle industry, was awarded a tax abatement earlier this week by officials from the town of LaGrange. Lake Area Designs is expected to invest $1.5 million to lease and renovate a 24,000-square-foot …

Three Rivers Area Mentoring has a new executive director. Jennifer VanOosterhout will succeed Stephanie Schoon, who is committing more time to her role as a personal trainer. TRAM has also announced that Norah Rodgers is the 2012 Mentor of the Year award winner.

Dr. Timothy John Suszko, age 41, of Fenton, and formerly of Sturgis, passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013. Services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Road, Fenton. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until the time of the service. Timothy was born Nov. 2, 1971, …

A White Pigeon man who failed to stop for a red light on U.S. 131 in Lockport Township contributed to the cause of a three-vehicle accident last week. Michigan State Police said William Bradford was driving north on the highway when he struck a southbound car turning left onto North Main Street at 6:30 p.m. Friday. His vehicle struck the …

The Three Rivers Lions Club is accepting 2013 “Citizen of the Year” nominations. Nominations should include a brief explanation of why the nominee is deserving of the annual honor. They should be mailed to “Citizen of the Year Nominations,” c/o Bruce Snook, 620 Pine St., Three Rivers, 49093 or e-mailed to bcsnook@comcast.net. Since 1965, the local club has recognized people …

Three Rivers Health has announced Marci Kohlhoff as the recipient of its inaugural Employee of the Quarter award. An OB nurse, Kohlhoff is a 13-year employee and won the award based on nominations from her peers. The employee recognition is a new initiative started in 2013 by the Three Rivers-based medical facility.

Bob E. McPhearson, age 77, of Colon, passed away Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, after several months of failing health. Bob was born July 7, 1935, in Elwood, Ind., a son to the late Alonzo and Louise (Haskett) McPhearson. Bob grew up in Frankton, Ind., and graduated from Frankton High School. From 1972 till 1990 …