St. Joseph County Commissioner Robin Baker said he has been attending township meetings within his district and has been asked about contracting for additional police coverage. During the commission’s committee of the whole meeting Dec. 13, Baker said township officials within his jurisdiction continue to have discussions about the matter. Baker said he is being asked if the sheriff’s department …

Guns and other items were stolen during a breaking-and-entering incident at a residence in Mottville Township this week. State police said the incident occurred in the 6900 block of Mann Road. Details regarding the method of entry were not indicated in a department media release.

Vera T. Armstrong, 91, of Plainwell, died Dec. 20, 2013 at the Stanford Lodge, Plainwell. She was born Jan. 16, 1922, the daughter of George and Neva (Romig) Fisher. A time to gather with the family while sharing food and refreshments will begin at noon on Monday, Dec. 23 followed by a service at 2 p.m. at the Life Story …

A house in Three Rivers was severely damaged by heat and smoke as the result of a fire Sunday afternoon. According to Three Rivers Fire Chief Dan Tomlinson, the residence at 707 7th St., was filled with smoke and fire was emitting from a first-floor window as crews arrived at 5:30 p.m. Nobody was home at the time of the …

Establishment of a revolving-loan fund and the hiring of a new administrator were two major accomplishments by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners this year, its chairman said. John Dobberteen, a Sturgis resident completing his 15th year as a commissioner, said 2013 was a step forward for St. Joseph County government thanks to the creation of the fund and …

Members of the Marine Corps League 1401 of St. Joseph County said the Sturgis distribution of toys by the Salvation Army was a success. The event began Wednesday at the Sturgis Armory and included toys picked up from Toys for Tots. The local Salvation Army leader for the event said 300 families with 700 children collectively were helped by the …

St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners has agreed to renew its funding to continue its partnership with MSU Extension for 2014. During last week’s county commission meeting, commissioners agreed to allocate nearly $133,000 for the service. The funding covers salaries and services provided by one full-time and three part-time employees. In addition, the county will continue to provide telephone services …

The St. Joseph County Commission on Aging wishes to remind residents that a survey geared toward the population in the northern region of the county has gone live. As a way to gauge feedback from residents 55 years of age and older, the agency has produced 20,000 copies of the survey. The questionnaires may be found in government buildings, libraries, …

The Sturgis Fire Department was dispatched to an apartment complex fire shortly after 5:30 Sunday morning at Gateway Village. Upon arrival of police and fire personnel, they were advised that an infant was still in the apartment. The 11-month-old girl was rescued, and was later pronounced dead at Sturgis Hospital. The fire reportedly started in the parent’s bedroom who awoke …

Ethel Mae Ruggles, age 92, of Constantine, passed away December 21st, 2013 at her home. She was born in Constantine, on September 26, 1921, a daughter of Sam and Hazel (Rangler) Whitmore. Ethel graduated from Constantine High School in 1939. On January 26, 1946 Ethel married Harold A. Ruggles in Constantine. She worked as a secretary at Constantine Creamery and …