County commission could consider winter sports petition

St. Joseph County officials are expected to debate whether to back a petition that supports high school athletes and their right to play winter sports.

With the exception of bowling and swimming, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has imposed a moratorium on winter sports until Feb. 21.

Commissioner Jared Hoffmaster broached the subject during the county commission’s executive committee meeting Wednesday. He said he has fielded a number of phone calls from constituents who disagree with Whitmer’s action.

Hoffmaster said he is aware a number of area school boards planning to support the petition.

Hoffmaster said research he has conducted shows that Michigan is the only state that has put a pause on winter sports. He said athletic directors and superintendents he has spoken to are perplexed at Whitmer’s decision.

A few commissioners seemed to indicate they are open to the idea of backing a resolution.

The matter could be on the table for discussion at Tuesday’s commission meeting.