Government

Authorities say a 59-year-old woman has died after the riding lawnmower she was on was struck by a vehicle in Kalamazoo County. The sheriff’s department says Deborah Kay Smith of Augusta was pronounced dead at the scene of Tuesday’s crash in Ross Township. Investigators say she was operating the mower and went into the roadway before being struck. The sheriff’s …

A sheriff says three dogs found dead on a rural road were released by a man who couldn’t keep them at a rental house. Clinton County Sheriff Wayne Kangas says the man was turned away from shelters before releasing four dogs. Three of the Labrador-mix dogs were found dead last week, apparently hit by a vehicle near Sleepy Hollow State …

Three members of the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board of St. Joseph County were removed Tuesday by the county commission. Board president Barb Parker, and members Larry Walton and Gaylene Adams were cut from the 12-member panel after a 3-1 vote. Board president John Dobberteen abstained and Robin Baker cast the dissenting vote. There was no discussion …

The driver of a Jeep involved in a rear-end collision last weekend is in critical condition following an incident in Fabius Township. State police said Jones resident Brandon Cooper, age not listed, was eastbound on M-60 when he slowed in preparation of turning left onto Roberts Road. Cooper’s vehicle was struck from behind by a semi driven by Laurentiu Popa, …

A teenager has been killed in western Michigan in a multi-vehicle crash that’s being blamed on a driver who was distracted by a sandwich and his GPS device. The Ottawa County sheriff’s office says the victim is 13-year-old David Talsma of Hudsonville. He was in a Toyota van driven by a 16-year-old when the vehicle was struck Monday by a …

Michigan officials reacted cautiously Monday to the Obama administration’s plan for cutting planet-warming gases from power plants, saying they needed time to study how it would affect the state’s economy and electricity rates. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is seeking a 32 percent reduction in carbon dioxide from power plants by 2030. In Michigan, that would mean a cut from …

The St. Joseph County Clerk’s Office is expected to complete by the end of the week the validation of signatures turned in Friday as part of the Three Rivers Board of Education recall process. Deputy clerk Phyllis Lung said the procedure is done by entering into a data base the names of those who signed. A computer cross-reference will confirm …

White Pigeon Township officials this week are expected to consider whether to approve the creation of a public pet cemetery. Slated for the northern end of White Pigeon Township Cemetery on Vermont Street, the proposal would have an initial plot of 1,040 graves. The idea was raised at the township’s July meeting and is on Tuesday’s agenda for additional deliberation. …

State police are appealing to the public for help in identifying suspects involved in a rash of larceny-from-vehicle incidents last week in Park Township. According to a department media release, the incidents occurred between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 6:30 a.m. Wednesday along Buckhorn Road between Heimbach Road and South Fisher Lake Road.

The Three Rivers Area Community Foundation is looking for creative ideas that show love for the community. The “Love Three Rivers” competition seeks ideas for a beautification project within the city. The foundation will award mini-grants to the top proposals. The offer is open to any individual, business, or non-profit organization. Deadline is Friday. A full explanation of rules can …