A high-profile St. Joseph County agency is closer to becoming part of an eight-county region following action its board members took Tuesday. The St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board authorized director Liz O’Dell to proceed with a state-mandated plan to move from a four-county district to the eight-county region. The eight-county Region 4 takes effect …

The Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County has announced the winners of its first pet-costume contest, which took place Sunday at the Three Rivers TSC store. A total of eight contestants participated; the winners received a gift certificate for a pet photo with Santa, a Webkinz virtual pet , candy, pet treats and a movie theater coupon. Look-alike winners …

Stephen Shingledecker, age 59, of Warsaw, Ind., passed away Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012 at 6:08 p.m. at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind. He was born Dec. 22, 1952 in Three Rivers to Robert and Roeberta (Barnes) Shingledecker. Stephen was a 1971 graduate of Three Rivers High School, received his Associates Degree in 1974 from Michigan Technological University and Bachelors Degree …

Tim Tilka, 53, of Three Rivers, passed away at 1:17 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012 at Riverview Manor. He was born on April 14, 1959 in Hammond, Ind. to the late Edward and Ruth (Hovey) Tilka. Tim is survived by his siblings, Marion (Verlin) Belcher of Schereville, Ind., Kenneth Tilka of Kalamazoo, Dawn Tilka Teeter of Three Rivers, Jack Tilka …

This Saturday, November 3, is the date for the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church’s Christmas Bazaar. From 9AM until 6 PM, you’ll be able to look over and purchase all sorts of Christmas crafts and baked goods. A special event this year is the School Afghan raffle. The five afghans are crocheted in Granny Squares and each has a block in …

St. Joseph County‘s September unemployment rate fell seven-tenths of a percent from its August figure, according to the monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The decrease to an unemployment rate of 7.3 percent from August to September followed a 1.7 percent decline from the previous one-month period. Gains in education-related fields and fewer people …

A hit-and-run incident involving a parked vehicle is being investigated by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. A department-issued media release indicated a Chrysler van was struck between 8 and 10 a.m. Friday in the Kendall Electric parking lot.

            A 2000 Dodge 3500 dual-wheel pickup truck was stolen earlier this month from a residence in the 12000 block of Riverside Drive, in White Pigeon Township.             The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department reports the vehicle had four flat tires and had remained in place at least five years. The vehicle is inoperable and has a 100-gallon fuel tank, …

State Rep. Matt Lori was recently honored with a Health Advocacy Award from the Cassopolis Family Clinic Network. Lori was recognized for his support of the clinic’s mission to provide necessary, compassionate health care to the people of Cass County. Cassopolis Family Clinic Network has identified 11,700 low-income residents in Cass County and the immediate service area who are not …

Marilyn Marie Warner, 82, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, October 26, 2012 at her home surrounded by family. Marilyn was a lifetime resident of Three Rivers, born on June 20, 1930, the daughter of George and Esther (Horn) Bradford. She worked at the soda fountain at Hudson’s Drug Store before graduating from Three Rivers High in 1948. She later …