An agreement between St. Joseph County and grant writer James Hissong was approved Tuesday. Hissong, who works in a part-time capacity for the county and a few of its communities, recently obtained a Limited Liability Company. According to county administrator Teresa Doehring, it is in the best interest of the county and Hissong to change his employment relationship from employee …

St. Joseph County commissioners agreed to reimburse a Colon Township family for its loss of 15 4-H rabbits. The matter was approved Tuesday at the request of Undersheriff Mark Lillywhite. According to a staff memo, Lillywhite said the incident occurred last month and likely involved either stray dogs or a coyote. Restitution of $300 was made in accordance with statute; …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners approved a federal grant to support Adult Drug Treatment Court. During Tuesday’s commission meeting, the board OK’d $145,000 to Community Corrections/Circuit Court. The Justice Assistance Grant is awarded through the State Court Administrative Office and is reimbursement for money the county had already allocated from its coffers.

Wilbur “Bill” Carpenter, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 in Oakwood, Ohio. He was born Nov. 24, 1944 the son of the late Hubert Carpenter and Mary Altonia (Mercer) Hoffine.  Bill was a 1962 graduate of Constantine High School. On Sept. 3, 1999 he married LaDonna AuFrance.  He is survived by his children, Janie Avilla, Douglas Harrison, …

Ava Renee Wood, infant daughter of Mr. Seth Wood and Ms. Karly Bingaman passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at Bronson Hospital. She was a bright, beautiful angel who blessed her family for the eight weeks of her precious, brave life. She was preceded in death by great-grandfather, Ron Sult and great-grandmother, Mary Keller; Brother Zeus, Papa Bing, Grandpa …

A Mendon man died in a two-semi crash which happened at 1am Thursday on westbound I-94, west of 11 Mile Road, in Calhoun County’s Emmett Township. State police say the lead semi, driven by a 40-year-old male from Bellville, MI was merging onto I-94 westbound from the 11 Mile entrance ramp when it was struck from behind by another west …

The cause of a fire that destroyed Nissley Disposal in Sturgis Monday is undetermined but not considered suspicious, according to officials. Authorities believe the fire began on the east side of the building, possibly in the wash bay area. The blaze was reported around 9 p.m. Monday and the building was fully engulfed when the first fire crews arrived. Lost …

A few exceptions to St. Joseph County’s government hiring freeze were made Tuesday. At the request of Judge David Tomlinson, commissioners allowed for the hiring of a deputy probate register for probate court’s family division. The $60,000-a-year position has been vacant for a month and cannot be absorbed by existing staff, Tomlinson said. He said the family division has jurisdiction …

Thirteen people have been reappointed to the St. Joseph County Community Advisory Board. County commissioners on Tuesday approved the one-year terms that will expire Dec. 31. The members are: Jeff Middleton, Rob Pattison, Paul Stutesman, David Tomlinson, John McDonough, Kitty Buchner, Lisa Martin, Gina Wagner, Tom Miles, Eddie MacKay, Rose Ludwick, Gerald Loudenslager and Howard Bush.

Boy, it’s cold out here.  But I have a lot of energy to burn off.  I am about two years old, a mixed breed male.  I will need neuter surgery.  I am house-trained, very friendly and playful.  You are welcome to bring your children or other family dogs for a “meet and greet”! My docket number is 44420, at the …