News

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 …

Online donations are pouring in for two brothers from Kalamazoo who were paralyzed in accidents eight months apart. As of Monday afternoon, an account on the crowdfunding website GoFundMe had raised over $52,500 to help pay for expenses for Adam and Matt Chaffee. More than 700 people have donated money, with help coming from as far England and Scotland. “It’s …

One out of every five Michigan lawmakers doesn’t have a formal degree in higher education. The finding comes through research by The Detroit News. Those without degrees include state Sen. Tom Casperson, who is in his second term in the Senate after serving three terms in the state House. The Republican from Escanaba says life experience “is as deeply as …

Storms carrying strong winds and rain have pummeled Michigan, cutting power, snapping trees and even knocking over at least one recreational trailer on the Mackinac Bridge. The bridge connecting the peninsulas was temporarily closed at one point Sunday as winds hit 65 mph. Thousands of power outages were reported in the Grand Rapids and Traverse City areas. A free outdoor …

Members of the group TR Cares have announced they were successful in securing the minimum number of signatures required to put a board of education recall question on the November ballot. Sherrie Nowicki, who helped form and is the leader of TR Cares, said the signatures would be turned in to the county clerk’s office by 4 p.m. today, one …

A benefit hog roast to raise funds for the organization “Homes For Our Troops” takes place Saturday in Park Township. Hosted by Jim and Peggy Fassett, the event will rely on donations to help with construction of a handicap-accessible house for Indiana resident and former soldier Marine Cpl. Zachary Nelson. The 24-year-old Nelson became paralyzed from the chest down following …

A 38-year-old Leonidas man was recently sentenced to a minimum of 25 years in prison. John Feek was sentenced last week by Circuit Court Judge Paul Stutesman after pleading guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct. In return for his plea, several other criminal sexual conduct, computer crimes and child-abuse charges were not prosecuted. Feek was credited with 287 days served …