Government

The State House this week approved a bill introduced by State Rep. Matt Lori, allowing courts to consider the best interest of a child when revoking a father’s paternal rights. Lori said House Bill 5473 is a continuation of constituent-driven legislation that he has authored to protect the rights of fathers in child custody cases. The legislation is part of …

A Portage man was treated for minor injuries after he was involved in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday in Park Township. Sheriff’s officials said Raymond Barclay, 32, was driving east on Moorepark Road around 2:20 p.m. when his vehicle crossed the centerline, went off the roadway, struck trees and overturned in a ditch near North Fisher Lake Road. Barclay was wearing …

The Fabius Township Citizens Coalition is staging its annual meeting next week. The event starts with a meet-and-greet session at 5 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Three Rivers Community Center, followed by a potluck supper. Then, a short business meeting for the election of officers takes place before the main program, which will feature 59th District candidates for state representative …

Funding for a proposed recreation trail between Three Rivers and Fabius Township has received a $10,000 boost from the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. The amount was requested during Tuesday’s county commission meeting by River Country Recreational Authority member Lindsay Oswald. Oswald, who also serves as the county’s grant writer, said a significant amount of money in matching funds …

A Kalamazoo attorney defending Raymond McCann Jr. said his client’s case will probably not go to trial for two more months. McCann was arrested on charges that he lied to police during investigation of the 2007 murder of Jodi Parrack in Constantine. James Mequio, who represents McCann, said a status conference last week raised more legal issues that must be addressed …

A full agenda featuring 12 items of new business awaits the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this afternoon. Four matters of employment, a request for funding in support of the Three Rivers trail project, a soil-erosion and sedimentation-control ordinance, and review of the annual child-care and fund-plan budget are included on the agenda. Today’s meeting begins at 5 o’clock …

State Rep. Matt Lori will be given special recognition this week at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. Lori on Wednesday will receive the National Distinguished Advocacy Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the network. The annual award is given by the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select lawmakers who …

Five agenda items of new business will be handled this evening by the Three Rivers City Commission. Items before Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners include the setting of a show-cause hearing for 512 W. Michigan Ave.; an order of demolition at 310 Jackson and 707 Seventh streets, and 407 and 261 South Main Street; and a proposed paving project at …

Sturgis city manager Mike Hughes is one of five finalists for the job of city manager in Portage. The 40-year-old Hughes will interview Thursday morning during a 90-minute session with an interview team and the public. Hughes, who has served as the top administrator in Sturgis since 2005, has been the recipient of high praise from the Sturgis City Commission. …

A Cassopolis woman was arraigned last week on charges related to a fire she allegedly set at the Three Rivers Walmart earlier this summer. Fawn Mott, 30, was charged with third-degree arson in connection with the June 23 fire that forced the store to close for two days. She was arraigned in St. Joseph County District Court Friday. Bond was …