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Indiana Michigan Power has announced it will conduct aerial inspections of its high-voltage lines next month as part of its ongoing program to maintain the reliability of the electric-transmission system. Officials from the Fort Wayne-based utility said the helicopter flights will inspect transmission lines in and around Fort Wayne and South Bend, as well as in areas within Ohio and …

Representatives from the Three Rivers Food Pantry are issuing a public appeal for monetary donations now through the end of April. While there is always a need for help, the pantry is promoting an opportunity through which it will receive 10 percent credit in its account for all monetary donations made through April 30. The offer is available from the …

A Constantine eatery is a two-time winner of an annual chili cook-off. Rachel’s, which won the inaugural event in 2010, was voted by the public as the best chili between a competition that also featured Constantine-based restaurants Town Fryer and Piper’s Grinders Galore. The fourth annual Chili Throw-Down took place Saturday. Rachel’s won the inaugural even in 2010, followed by …

Police are seeking criminal charges against the mother of three children who died after they were killed in a fire at an apartment complex in Kalamazoo last month. Kalamazoo County Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein says the request for three counts of second-degree child abuse against 26-year old Jonetta Woods is being reviewed. The charge carries up to 10 years …

The one thing I enjoy about the winter months is that there aren’t very many mosquitos around. The same can be said for flies. There is nothing more annoying than to be eating a sandwich, and at the same time, swatting the flies away from your food. I’ve often commented about the need for those flying pests. The only thing …

February’s unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased for the second consecutive month. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 8.3 percent January unemployment rate was seven-tenths percent of an increase from December. Still, the January 2013 rate was 1.8 percent less than the same month one year earlier. The …

A hit-and-run crash shortly before 5 a.m. Monday in Sturgis Township is being investigated by the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department. Department officials said a midsize car of unknown make, model and color was westbound on U.S. 12, west of Shimmel Road, and side-swiped the victim’s vehicle. The suspect vehicle, which continued west on U.S.12, may have damage to the …

A 23-year-old Elkhart man was airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after he was injured in a one-vehicle crash Sunday in Constantine Township. Investigators from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Bradley Owen was driving on North River Road when he drove off the roadway near Maple Road and his truck ran into a tree. Owen had to …

Members of the Animal Rescue Fund of St. Joseph County have announced the agency’s monthly meeting for April. The 7 p.m. meeting April 7 will take place at the St Joseph County Intermediate School District, south of Centreville. The agenda includes discussion about upcoming festival parades, fundraisers and new fundraising ideas. Spay and neuter, and food pantry information will also …

The first of two suspects accused of murdering a 74-year-old Kalamazoo antiques dealer last summer has been sentenced to a mandatory term of life in prison without chance of parole. A Kalamazoo County Circuit Court jury in February convicted 21-year old Antonio Livingston of first-degree murder, felony murder, assault with intent to rob and first-degree home invasion. Livingston and 52-year …