The process to begin assembling St. Joseph County’s 2019 fiscal-year budget is underway. County administrator Teresa Doehring said department managers have provided her and finance director Ryan Post their five-year, capital-request wish lists, as a starting point. The county’s next fiscal year begins Jan. 1. In addition, Doehring at last week’s executive committee meeting, said the process of negotiations regarding …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners earlier this month approved a resolution accepting a DNR Trust Fund grant. The move covers $166,500 for acquisition of a 52-acre parcel, along the St. Joseph River in Fabius Township. The land owners provided $58,500 to fulfill the local-match obligation. The property is known as the Kettles Preserve. County officials said it is …

A Berrien County company has been approved to provide a maintenance program to St. Joseph County’s courthouse. During the board’s Aug. 7 meeting, commissioners agreed to an $8,800 annual contract with City Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning. Based in St. Joseph, the company will provide a customized professional maintenance program that will include an inventory of equipment and air-filter service. …

“In a world filled with inequality, crises and poverty, breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong good health for babies and mothers,” is the slogan for World Breastfeeding Week 2018, recognizing the importance of breastfeeding to a baby’s future. To promote early breastfeeding success and breastfeeding outcomes, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency offers a variety of supports to families. Breastfeeding …

Gail Ellen Conner, age 74, of Constantine, passed away Tuesday, August 21st, at her home surrounded by her family. Gail was born in Chicago on September 16, 1943, a daughter of the late June (Howard) Ledbetter and Virgil Katt. She attended schools in northern Michigan, later obtaining her GED.Gail worked as a Nurses Aide at multiple nursing homes in northern …

Susanne “Susie” Latson Hess, age 71, of Marcellus, formerly of Niles, passed away early in the morning Tuesday, August 21, 2018. She was born in Niles on March 30, 1947, the daughter of Harold and Millicent Ann (Milham) Latson. On August 02, 1948 Susanne married the love of her life Donald A. Hess, Jr. in Niles.  They were married for …

Clair N. “Bud” Large, age 96, of Sturgis, passed away Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at Thurston Woods Village. He was born Nov. 11, 1921, in Sturgis, a son of the late Clair J. and Elsie Mae (Noel) Large. Clair was a graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1940 and had been a resident of Sturgis his entire …

Christina Marie (Huntley) Anderson, age 73, of Sturgis, passed away Aug. 6, 2018, at home, with family by her side. She was born May 22, 1945, at home in Detroit, a daughter of the late Eugene Roland and Betty Jane (Miller) Huntley. Christina graduated from Beecher High School in Flint with the class of 1963. In the summer of 1964, …

School used to start the day after Labor Day, but as far as when the school bell rings this year will depend on where you live. School has already started in parts of Indiana and Illinois. No matter when school starts for your children, it’s not too late to shop for those back-to-school clothes and supplies. The Stone House, located …

Raymond N. Hahn, age 81, of Vandalia, passed away Thursday, August 16th, at Heartland Health Care Center in Three Rivers. He was born in Stoystown, PA on September 5, 1936, a son of Raymond and Violet (Adams) Hahn. Ray graduated from Constantine High School in 1955. On November 27, 1955 he married Sophie Wojcik in Union, MI. She preceded him in …