A major employer in Mendon plans to close next year. Auto supplier International Automotive Components Group informed United Auto Workers Local 503 members that the plant will shut down in May after current work orders are fulfilled. Union officials indicated they are meeting today with company representatives in order to secure severance packages for the 230 people affected by the …

An unprecedented measure in St. Joseph County history was taken this week when county officials approved a two-year budget. The fiscal-year 2020 budget in excess of $18 million was approved Tuesday by the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. In addition, an $18.4 million budget for fiscal year 2021 was OK’d. The county’s fiscal year starts Jan. 1. Finance director …

A three-member panel of county officials selected Mark Lillywhite to serve the 11 remaining months of Brad Balk’s term as sheriff. Balk recently announced he will retire Jan. 31, 11 months before the conclusion of the four-year term to which he was elected in November 2016. By law, the appointment to fulfill the balance of Balk’s term was to be …

A vehicle was stolen at gunpoint Wednesday outside a Sturgis residence. Sgt. Damon Knapp said the incident occurred at 5 a.m. in the 200 block of North Prospect Street. Knapp said the victim left his truck running in his driveway and returned inside his residence. During that time, an unknown subject dressed in black got into the truck and pointed …

I am “Bella”.  I have long legs and beautiful green eyes.  I am a spayed female, dilute Calico about three years old.  I am sweet and I love to chirp.  I would love to spend Christmas in my new home.  My docket number is 46953, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located at 652 E. Main St., Centreville, …

Sharon Joyce Swartz, age 77, of Marcellus, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019 in Dowagiac. She was born in Three Rivers on September 8, 1942 the daughter of Lester LeRoy Tase and Frances Joyce (Stuebegen) Tase. On March 5, 1960, in Newburg, Michigan she married Wayne Kay Swartz who survives. Sharon was a factory worker but enjoyed spending time with …

A longtime member of the St. Joseph County Road Commission has been reappointed to the five-member panel. County commissioners on Tuesday agreed to reappoint Eric Shafer to another term. Shafer, a Fishers Lake resident, is completing his first, six-year term. As a result of Tuesday’s action, he will return for another half dozen years. The road commission board last month …

Michigan State Police troopers are investigating a breaking-and-entering incident that occurred last month in Calhoun County’s Clarendon Township. Troopers said the incident occurred on 20 Mile Road, just north of M-60. Several large items, including a generator, power tools, firearms and hunting equipment, were taken from the victim’s pole barn.

A four-month, bridge-construction project in White Pigeon Township concluded Monday. As a result, the South Kalamazoo Street bridge over the Pigeon River is now open. The river crossing had been closed since July 23. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting event took place Monday afternoon, and involved township and St. Joseph County Road Commission officials. They celebrated the opening of a new, 120-foot-long …

An 18-year-old Burr Oak man was arrested last week after leading sheriff’s deputies on a pursuit in Nottawa Township. According to a department media release, the man was stopped at 2 p.m. Friday in downtown Centreville. Upon further investigation, deputies noticed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle he was driving. Deputies eventually confirmed the suspect was …