St. Joseph County’s board of commissioners Tuesday approved a resolution calling for a hiring freeze. The mandate affects general-fund positions and takes effect immediately, according to commission chairman Allen Balog. He said it will remain in place as long as necessary and will be reviewed for continuation annually during the board’s budget process. In addition, the county is offering for …

The 27th annual Jail Ministry Banquet took place recently, an event staged through the Correctional Chaplaincy Corporation of St. Joseph County under the direction of Chaplain Jake Schwartz. The meal was provided by several area churches and prepared by parishioners of Calvary Chapel. The annual pie auction added several hundred dollars to the total raised for the annual benefit, which …

The city of Sturgis has received a $375,000 state grant for reconstruction of North Lakeview Avenue from U.S. 12 to the railroad tracks. In addition, Sturgis City Commission members recently heard about proposed options to widen the 25-foot road, expanding it to at least 27 feet. At 27 feet, the road would meet minimum requirements to be considered a major street. …

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 …