St. Joseph County has continued its snow-removal agreement with Adams Excavating. During action Tuesday, commissioners approved the independent-contractor agreement with Scott Adams for the job. Adams will respond when snow accumulation reaches two inches or more. His work will cover the courthouse and courts building lots, an annex lot, the parks building and animal control lots, and the sheriff’s department …

Robert A. Zabel, age 86, of Sturgis, passed away early Wednesday morning, Jan. 21, 2015, at Matthew 7:7 Adult Foster Care Home in White Pigeon. He was born April 27, 1928, in Sturgis, a son of the late Herman and Inez (Reamer) Zabel. Bob was a lifelong Sturgis resident and a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of …

Michigan retailers report that sales during the just-completed holiday season were “positive” and better than last year, even though they did not meet pre-season expectations. A new survey from the Michigan Retailers Association found that a strong December made up for a slow start in November, as retailers posted an average year-to-year sales improvement of 1.1 percent. That was slightly …

Michigans unemployment in December fell to its lowest level in more than 12 years. The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget says the jobless rate last month was down by four-tenths of a percentage point to 6.3 percent. That’s the lowest monthly rate for the state since the November 2002 rate of 6.2 percent. The states labor force was …

Kristine Anne “Kris” Reid, 64, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, Jan. 19, 2015 at home. She was born May 11, 1950 in Three Rivers a daughter to the late Douglas J. and Elizabeth (Meyer) Bullock. As a young girl Kristie became an avid stamp collector and developed a love of reading with “Nancy Drew Mysteries” and “Superman Comic Books.” As …

Betty Mae Bontrager, age 84, formerly of White Pigeon, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She was born Jan. 26, 1930, in White Pigeon, a daughter of William Stewart and EdnaMae (Simpson) McClain and attended Cook Country School on Vistula Road. Betty was a homemaker who also worked in the shipping department at Kent Company in Elkhart, …

A 51-year-old man has been sentenced to six months in jail after authorities say he beat his girlfriend with a two-week-old puppy, causing the animal’s death.  Timothy Tucker also was sentenced Tuesday to four years of probation and entry into the Swift and Sure Sanctions Program. He was ordered to pay state fees and restitution.  Tucker pleaded guilty in December …

Hi. My name is Heather and I am a unique color. I am a torbie but my background color is golden and I have some muted orange patches. I am about one year old with short hair and a very pretty face. I am kind of shy but am very affectionate when I get to know you. I would love …

A 25-year-old Illinois man with ties to St. Joseph County is being held in the LaGrange County jail after a high-speed pursuit late Saturday. Benjamin Horne was arrested by LaGrange County Sheriff’s deputies and charged with resisting an officer, criminal recklessness and possession of marijuana. Around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, Colon police attempted to stop Horne’s vehicle for an equipment violation. …

After adjusting their executive committee meeting schedule over the past six months, members of the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners appear to have finally settled on a mutually agreeable day. Commissioners decided Tuesday to stage the twice-a-month committee meeting at 8 a.m. every Thursday before a commission meeting. While the 8 a.m. start time has been consistent for several …