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The five candidates seeking to replace Matt Lori as 59th District state representative gathered during a forum at the St. Joseph County Bar Association earlier this week. John Bippus, Aaron Miller, Mike Mroz, Roger Rathburn and Bob Still were guests of the bar association and afforded the opportunity to discuss their candidacies. ‘ The primary election is not until August, …

Thanks to a record-shattering late February and early March Arctic blast, ice cover on the Great Lakes is now the most widespread in 35 years, and nearing an all-time record. According to an analysis by NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, ice cover peaked at 92.2 percent of the Great Lakes on March 6. In records dating …

Legislation that could make it easier for telephone companies to end landline service has been approved by the Michigan House of Representatives. The bill removes the role of the Michigan Public Service Commission in any effort by a phone company in abandoning a local exchange. Instead, the bill leaves the regulatory role up to the Federal Communications Commission. The Senate-approved …

It seems to me that, as we get older, our stress level becomes more evident. Perhaps I’m getting this confused with the lack of patience. I remember that, as my father aged, his patience decreased. At times he had a very short fuse, which caused me to move more quietly while in his presence. I’d hate to think that I’m …

The St. Joseph County Road Commission has announced seasonal weight restrictions are in effect on routes not designated all-season roads. As a result, multiple-axle vehicles must reduce the weight of their loads and adhere to speed restrictions when traveling on non-all-season roads. The seasonal restriction does not apply to passenger cars or pickup trucks. The measure is in place to …

The Three Rivers Police Department has released the names of residents who have recently been arrested for parole violation. Courtney Krontz, 22, was arrested March 5 in the 200 block of North U.S. 131. Tana Jo Fox, 45, and Bridget Looney, 18, were arrested Feb. 26 also in the 200 block of North U.S. 131 Arrested for probation violation were …

A house in the 100 block of East Congress Street in Sturgis was destroyed by fire early Monday. The Sturgis Fire Department said flames and heavy smoke were observed coming from the front half of the residence upon their arrival. There was nobody in the residence at the time of the blaze, and neighbors told firefighters it had been unoccupied …

The Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority has provided an update on its status as one of three Michigan Main Street “Select Level” recipients. Christy Trammell, DDA director, said representatives from Lansing-based Michigan Main Street will be in Three Rivers April 2, 3 and 4 to conduct some formalities and begin their services that Three Rivers will receive for its standing …

Researchers at Michigan State University say tourism spending in Michigan was strong in 2013 and is poised for another robust year in 2014. Dan McCole and Sarah Nicholls, of MSU’s Department of Community Sustainability presented their annual report today (Monday) at the Pure Michigan Governor’s Conference in Traverse City. The MSU researchers say factors fueling the upswing include an improving …

The Home Builders Association of Michigan is confident in its prediction of another good year for residential home construction. There was a 28-percent year-to-year increase for single-family home permits in the state for 2013. And it’s predicted that there will be a 20-percent jump this year when all is said and done. Hillan Homes President Patrick Raye says his business …