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State game area managers with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are seeking public input on several draft master plans for state game areas located in the southwestern region of the state, including one that straddles Cass and St. Joseph counties. Steve Chadwick, supervisor for the DNR Wildlife Division’s southwestern region, said the master plans are important in guiding habitat …

U.S. 131 between U.S. 12 and Dickenson Road was closed for about an hour Thursday after a semi-trailer caught fire. Around 7:45 a.m., a semi-truck hauling eggs was northbound on U.S. 131 when fire started in the trailer. The driver was able to disconnect from the trailer and drive a safe distance away. It appears the blaze started in the …

Forest River Manufacturing, a recreational-vehicle company, will break ground this week at its future Michigan site. The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. Wednesday, at 500 W. Chicago Road in White Pigeon. The Indiana-based company in January announced its intention to launch new products in White Pigeon in three newly constructed 100,000-square-foot facilities. Company officials estimate creation of close to 400 …

Battle Creek police report that a 19-year-old man who said he wanted police to kill him was fatally shot when both he and officers opened fire. The shooting happened Sunday morning. Police tell WOOD-TV that a family member called about 10:40 a.m. saying the man had taken a relative’s gun and wanted to die. Police say the man then called …

At 9 feet long and around 350 pounds, the alligator known as Godzilla lives up to his name: A body plated with pointed, armor-like scales known as scutes. Massive jaws that hold up to 80 sharp teeth and snap shut on reflex. A powerful tail. He could do some damage if he wanted to. Sunning himself on the edge of …

A Mendon Township woman is inviting participants to join her as she concludes a 60-mile walk through St. Joseph County Saturday. Carol Higgins, president of the St. Joseph County Conservation District Board, began the four-day walk Wednesday. Higgins said her twofold goal is to bring awareness to local conservation and to earn financial pledges that she will turn over to …

The Huss Project Garden is staging its second of three community gardening days this weekend. The public is invited to stop by between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday for a clean-up and planting event. Tools will be available but anyone more comfortable working with their own implements are welcome to bring them, event organizers said. The third session will …

The St. Joseph County Grange Fair is announcing today its headline music act for the 2015 fair. Fair manager Bill Johnson said the duo Dan + Shay will take the stage on opening day, Sept. 20. In an attempt to interest younger attendees, Johnson said the entertainment committee prioritized newer artists on the path to stardom. In all, the committee …

State Rep. Aaron Miller has announced his May in-district office hours. Miller invites residents to join him May 22, at the following locations: LA’s Coffee Café, 145 W. Michigan Ave., Three Rivers, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.; and Rachel’s Family Dining, 300 E. Chicago Road, White Pigeon, from 11 a.m. to noon. Miller said he encourages anyone with ideas or …

Authorities say a pilot escaped with minor injuries following the crash of an ultralight aircraft. The Cass County sheriff’s department says in a statement Thursday that 57-year-old Carl Rosander of Cassopolis was flying near his home when the aircraft hit a tree and crashed in La Grange Township. He was the only person aboard the aircraft. The department says Rosander …