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The St. Joseph County United Way surpassed its $650,000 goal for its 2012 campaign, executive director Kelly Hostetler said. The announcement came Thursday during a celebration and recognition event at the Doyle Center in Sturgis. Hostetler said $680,000 was raised, an increase of $79,000 from 2011. Hostetler said Sturgis Hospital led the way in 2012, with $48,000 in donations from …

The Three Rivers Police Department announced a 26-year-old man was charged with retail theft following an incident at 11 p.m. Tuesday. The man, a Three Rivers resident whose name was not released, allegedly tried to steal beer from a store in the 100 block of North Main Street. A clerk said the man fled north through an alley. The department’s …

Three Rivers Fire Department Chief Dan Tomlinson issued a statement Thursday, warning people to be aware of thin ice. Tomlinson said fluctuating temperatures this winter have resulted in unsafe ice coverage at many lakes. He cited lake-rescue incidents in Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties as situations where poor judgment led to consequences that could have been fatal. He said the …

On the first day of  February, UniQ Jewelry, Gems and Gifts of  Distinction, announced what is becoming an annual Valentine’s Day chance  to win something luxurious for anyone willing to make the effort to  enter.  The grand prize this year was a 14 carat heart shaped deep  purple Amethyst valued at over $1,000.00!  14 carats on the 14th!  There was …

My name is Bully, I am a seven year old male Bull Mastiff mix. My name doesn’t fool anyone though, I am actually a cream puff. My original owner found that she could no longer care for me so we are hoping that someone would like to live with an old softie. My rabies shot is up to date but …

Lockport Township officials have agreed to extend a contract for service with the Fabius-Park Townships Fire Department. Monday’s vote to approve the two-year pact means the Fabius-Park department will continue providing fire-protection service for the area of Lockport Township north of the St. Joseph River and west of Neaman Road. The $80,000-a-year agreement continues the township’s coverage another 24 months. …

Repair crews who spent last week correcting a bumpy railroad crossing on U.S. 12 in Sturgis will be back today to perform additional work. City officials said the work will center on a warped railroad tie on the tracks located on West Chicago Road, the busiest east-west route in the city. The Michigan Department of Transportation will be handling traffic …

A Three Rivers man was treated for injuries suffered in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning in Constantine Township. Deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said Constantine resident Gene Foreman was driving east on North River Road when he crossed the centerline and his vehicle struck a westbound pickup driven by Thomas McGee. McGee was transported from the scene …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners had occasion last week to meet and welcome Judie Ratering, the county’s new finance director. During the commission’s twice-a-month meeting last week, Ratering introduced herself and said despite being on the job just two days at the time, she expressed confidence in her ability to uphold the duties of her office.

Authorities in southwestern Michigan say a fire broke out in a 10,000-square-foot barn housing about 60 dairy cattle, killing about 20 of them and taking dozens of firefighters hours to extinguish.  Buchanan Township fire Captain Steve Mullen said the fire was reported about 10:50 a.m. Wednesday at the farm, which is in Berrien County.  Mullen says the fire appears to be …