St Joseph County looking forward to big things in 2016

The start of a possible addition to the county courthouse, continued development of the county’s river trail concept and a potential upgrade to the animal-control facility are a few matters St. Joseph County government officials are looking toward in 2016.
The opening of a Commission On Aging senior center in Sturgis early in the year also was recognized as another key coming attraction next year.
County board chairman John Dobberteen, commissioner Rick Shaffer and county administrator Pat Yoder agreed some big things will take place over the next 12 months in St. Joseph County.
Dobberteen said the county in 2016 is expected to provide the city of Sturgis money toward development of a sports complex that would feature a number of softball and baseball diamonds, as well as soccer fields.
Commissioners on Sept. 15 agreed to allocate $2.8 million toward the purchase of property needed for a sports complex in the Three Rivers area.
Shaffer, who does not plan to seek reelection in 2016, said the purchase of property northeast of the Langley Covered Bridge for parks and recreation is a development he is excited to see unfold in the next year.
Another matter raised was the Economic Development Corporation. Yoder said the EDC is in the midst of re-inventing itself as “St. Joseph County EDGE.”