Shirley Ann Clauss, age 76, of Sturgis, and a former longtime White Pigeon resident, passed away early Wednesday morning, Nov. 22, 2017, at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. Shirley was born April 27, 1941, in Sturgis, a daughter of the late Jesse Robert and Dorothy (Krontz) Chapman. She resided in Sturgis since 2009, coming from White Pigeon, where she lived …

St. Joseph County Administrator Pat Yoder ended his career Tuesday on a high note, receiving numerous accolades from members of the county commission. The 67-year-old Yoder announced three months ago he would be retiring at the end of 2017. Instead, Tuesday was his last day and consequently his final county commission meeting, as well. Yoder conceded he was intentionally tight-lipped …

The River Country Tourism Council of Southwest Michigan held a photo contest last month and received dozens of photographs taken in St. Joseph County. The contest theme was “People Having Fun in River Country.” Photos were judged by RCTC officials, who chose three winners. First place went to Tracy Saunders of Three Rivers for her photo, “Sunrise on Pleasant Lake.” Michelle …

Walter entered the world on November 20, 1932 and entered heaven on the same date, November 20, 2017. Walter J. Mroczek I, passed away peacefully in his home in Marcellus on his 85th birthday. His loving wife of 61 years, Joan Walsh Mroczek, was by his side. Walter was well known for his capacity to work hard and was proud to …

Thomas Charles Vaccaro, Jr., 61, of Colon, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2017 at The Laurels of Bedford under the care of Great Lakes Caring Hospice A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 4 PM at Crossroads Bible Church in Sherwood, MI with Pastor Trent Hammond officiating. Thomas was born on February 18, 1956 …

My name is Buddy.  I am an American Bulldog,  Oh, how I do love hot dogs!  I am wiggly and friendly with people.  I probably would do best in a one dog only home.  Because I am so strong, I would do well with obedience training. My docket number is MISC17-000003, at the St. Joseph County Animal Control Shelter located …

State police investigators are looking into a series of breaking-and-entering incidents at a residence in Lockport Township. According to a department media release, troopers were called at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 15 to the 18000 block of 6th Avenue. The victim told authorities construction supplies, copper wire and tools were stolen on at least three previous occasions. Troopers were able to …

The St. Joseph County United Way was the recipient of a recent donation to benefit the sheriff’s department’s animal control department. Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the Centreville-based agency, said a $10,000 cash gift was recently made by an anonymous donor. The donor specified that the funds go toward the eventual development of a new animal-control facility. Animal control is …

Six members of the Centreville Future Farmers of America were among the students recognized during the organization’s annual convention and expo. The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year more than 4,000 American Degrees were awarded at the 90th national gathering in late October …

Sturgis city commissioners on Monday approved a bid of $44,400 from Dore and Associates for demolition and site restoration of the building at 113 North St., contingent on results of the phase 2 environmental study. The former Sigrist’s building, used for storage and furniture sales for many years, has some structural issues on its south and west walls. Those will …