An assessment report related to the courts building at the St. Joseph County Courthouse is expected to be issued this week. During Friday’s committee of the whole meeting, county administrator Patrick Yoder said officials from Benton Harbor-based Pearson Construction made a thorough inspection of the courts building last week. Yoder said the group spent more than two hours inspecting the …

The 30th White Pigeon Days community celebration was called a rousing success by its organizers. Capped off Sunday with a community worship service and picnic at Wade Park, the three-day festival was highlighted by a well-received fireworks display Saturday night, a fire-truck pull Friday preceded by a 45-minute parade featuring more than 50 entries. Jean Tefft, a member of the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners appears likely to continue meeting twice a month, not one time monthly as proposed by a county official. Following extensive discussion, the five-member panel during Friday’s committee of the whole meeting decided to keep the twice-a-month meeting schedule intact. County administrator Patrick Yoder had suggested the once-a-month schedule. Commissioners did, however, recommend eliminating …

The White Pigeon Rotary Club last week passed the gavel to its new president, Dan Cropsey. Cropsey will serve as club president for the 2013-14 year. Cropsey, a 40-year Rotary member between the Sturgis and White Pigeon civic groups, is also the advisor for the White Pigeon High School Interact Club, which is the largest club of its kind in …

Mark Annis Pierucki, age 58, passed away Wednesday morning, July 10, 2013, at the home of his care provider Janice and Carroll Parmeter of Marcellus. Mark was born May 17, 1955, in Sturgis, a son of the late John and Esther (Garn) Pierucki. Mark spent most of his life on the family farm north of Burr Oak. He attended Pathfinder …

Erma Mae (Mendelsohn) Chiddister, age 103, of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Wednesday morning July 10, 2013 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. She was born June 11, 1910 in Sturgis, Michigan only child of the late Edward and Louise (Meyers) Mendelsohn. On May 12, 1933 she married Sidney M. Chiddister in Sturgis. He died May 29, 1980. Erma resided her …

My name is Mitzy and this week I am the Pet of the Week. I am a female calico and am about 5 years old. I am quite plump and a very sweet lady. My owner had to move and brought me to Animal Control. I’m a little shy at first but I like people and will come out of …

Schoolcraft Police chief Bryan Campbell said a 33-year-old Jackson County man was apprehended after breaking into Bud’s Bar earlier this week. Campbell said the department at 2:45 a.m. Wednesday responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 200 block of North Grand Street. Police found forced entry at the back of the business. Within a few minutes of …

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department responded this week to a breaking-and-entering incident in Constantine Township. According to a department media release, deputies were called Wednesday to the 15000 block of Sandra Drive, where firearms and a laptop computer were stolen from a motorhome. The victim told police the incident occurred between 9:30 and 10:37 a.m. Wednesday.

A strong showing of supporters helped make Wednesday’s benefit for St. Joseph County Sheriff’s deputy T.J. Baker. A prosthetic arm to replace a limb that doctors removed as a result of a form of cancer is expected to cost about $150,000. Proceeds from the golf outing, which helped raise more than $20,000, will go toward expenses not picked up by …