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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last week joined advocates, doctors, faith leaders and state leaders to sign the Reproductive Health Act. The package of bills repeals restrictions on abortion care that criminalized nurses and doctors, forced health care providers to close, raised costs for patients and restricted access to abortion. The Reproductive Health Act builds on efforts to expand access to abortion in Michigan after the …

Now that Thanksgiving is in the history books for this year, it’s time to get started on the Christmas shopping. Most of the time our shopping adventures go smoothly, but every so often, we hit a speed-bump and need to deal with someone in Customer Service. Should that happen, you might want to check out some of these suggestions so …

Nine of the 11 drug-related deaths in St. Joseph County last year involved either methamphetamine or fentanyl, according to the county’s medical examiner, Joyce deJong. She said there have been six drug-related fatalities in St. Joseph County through the first half of 2023. In every case, meth and/or fentanyl were involved, deJong said. Eight men and five women were drug-overdose …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners made appointments and a re-appointment during their meeting this week. The board re-appointed commissioners Ken Malone and Rick Shaffer, and appointed John Kroggel, to the county’s Parks and Recreation Commission. Meanwhile, Ivin Riddle was re-appointed to the Department of Health and Human Services board. Also, Amanda Miller was appointed to the Pivotal Board. Pivotal …

The Three Rivers Lions Cub is seeking donations to provide food and toys to area families. Civic group members said the club’s annual Christmas newspaper insert will not be published this year, crippling what was previously an effective medium to promote the Lions Club’s holiday project. Financial donations for the 2023 fundraiser can be sent by mail to Box 134, …

St. Joseph County Animal Control last weekend took in eight puppies found abandoned by the side of the road in Sherman Township. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman said it appears the 2-month-old puppies were intentionally left by the side of Borgert Road. A passerby reported the litter to Animal Control Sunday, Bingaman noted. The puppies have been to a veterinarian and are …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy has launched its year-end “Force for Nature” membership campaign. Agency officials said the goal is to continue doing critical conservation work of protecting and restoring ecologically important natural areas in southwest Michigan. As part of the Force for Nature membership campaign, current and past SWMLC Board members have joined to pledge $150,000 toward meeting a $400,000 …

A jury has convicted a Cass County man of sexual assault following an August 2022 incident at his Dowagiac residence. Prosecutor Victor Fitz said Robert Schmeltz, 58, was convicted earlier this month. He was found guilty of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. According to court testimony, Schmeltz was arrested after assaulting a 65-year-old woman working in the capacity of a home …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating the larceny of a catalytic converter from a vehicle in Branch County’s Coldwater Township. Investigators said the incident occurred that occurred between Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 in the 600 block of Chicago Street. The catalytic converter was stolen off a 2008 Ford Cutaway work truck.

Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce, Centreville Downtown Development Authority and municipal officials welcomed Nottawa Gas to its new location last week. A ceremonial ribbon cutting Friday afternoon commemorated the relocated business, which moved from its 29-year spot in Nottawa Township near the northwest corner of M-66 and M-86. It is now in Centreville’s business park, at the east end …