The first sign of change as a result of county clerk Pattie Bender’s impending retirement was seen last week, as Lindsay Oswald took Bender’s seat at the dais and recorded the minutes of Tuesday’s county commission meeting. Oswald will have two more opportunities to perfect the task before Bender calls it quits June 30. Oswald, a 35-year-old Lockport Township resident, …

E. Maxine Stienbarger, age 83, of Mendon, died peacefully at her home on Thursday, May 21, 2015. She was born in LaGrange, IN on June 17, 1931 the oldest of five children born to Garlan R. and Reva (Haney) Gose. Maxine was a 1949 graduate of Mendon High School. She was married to Wayne L. Stienbarger on Jan. 8, 1950 …

St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder this week provided an update on the commission’s search for a consultant to review financial and procedural operations at the Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of St. Joseph County, as well as its health department. During Tuesday’s county commission meeting, Yoder said he and human resources director Teresa Doehring have reviewed three …

The Three Rivers Farmers’ Market begins next week, taking place 1 to 6 p.m. every Thursday. The market, which will run through Sept. 3, is located in Scidmore Park under the park pavilions. Products available will include fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, baked goods, craft items and beefalo. The 2015 season includes three night markets: June 11, July 9 and …

Sturgis VFW Post 1335 and the Sturgis American Legion Post 73 are looking for veterans, recently discharged and currently serving service members to join in the Sturgis Memorial Day parade Monday. Anyone interested in walking, carrying a flag or being part of the honor guard can contact Tom Reed at 260-585- 4420.

Officials say three cases of canine flu that hit the Midwest earlier this year have been confirmed in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said one case was reported in Macomb County and two cases in Kent County. Department spokeswoman Jennifer Holton says the notification from a lab was made to the state last week. Holton tells …

  Meow! We are three little kittens who haven’t lost our mittens but are trying to find a home. We are real little gems – Onyx, Pearl and Amber. One of us is male and two are little ladies. We are about 8 weeks old. Please come in and see us and give us a loving place to grow up. …

St. Joseph County and Fabius Township are entering a long-term relationship regarding road and water law-enforcement coverage. Members of the county commission this week agreed to a plan in which the sheriff’s department will continue to provide police coverage. Instead of renewing the agreement annually, however, the pact will work on a five-year cycle. The 40-hour-a-week coverage costs Fabius Township …

Colon Community Schools Board President Eric Wagner was selected Monday to represent the district at the June 1 Intermediate School District Board election. After discussing the three candidates, board members agreed to support incumbent Liz O’Dell. Also running are Sherman Greider of Leonidas and Brandon Kent of Sturgis. Wagner offered to cast the vote during the 15-minute window, as he …