Remodeling the courts building and upgrading the kitchen at the county jail were identified Wednesday as the highest priorities by county commissioners. During a work session following their executive committee meeting, commissioners reviewed five projects that have been on the drawing board for years but are currently in a holding pattern. After an hour of discussion, commissioners agreed the courthouse …

Three award winners were recognized during the St. Joseph County Conservation District’s 69th annual meeting Wednesday. Executive director Carolyn Grace and board president Carol Higgins presented awards for “Volunteers of the Year,” “Farmer of the Year” and “Supporter of the Year.” In awarding Mendon Boy Scouts Troop 427 as “Volunteers of the Year,” Higgins said the Centreville-based agency is always …

A request for funding by representatives from a well-used temporary housing shelter was taken under consideration by county commissioners. Kelli Tackett, director of Centreville-based Keystone Place, made a request for $60,000 during Wednesday’s executive committee meeting. Commissioners commended Tackett for the role Keystone Place plays in helping people at a time when help is greatly in need. They were told …

The field of candidates for Centreville Public Schools’ new superintendent became a two-person race, as one of the three finalists withdrew his candidacy. District officials were informed Wednesday morning that Tim Donahue decided to not participate in Saturday’s interview. Donahue has been superintendent at Potterville Public Schools since 2010. The development means district officials will interview Stephanie Lemmer at 9 …

James August Cobb, age 56, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the Sturgis Hospital emergency room. He was born July 7, 1960, in Detroit, child number six of seven of the late Edsel and Lucille (Bison) Cobb. Jim was the top of his class when he graduated from Burr Oak High School with the class of 1979. …

Helen L. MacDonald, age 90, of Leonidas, died Friday, March 10, 2017 at Sturgis Hospital. She was born in Athens, MI on May 12, 1926 the daughter of Carl and Avril (Greensides) Collyer. She was a member of the Athens High school class of 1943. Helen was married to Carl MacDonald on Aug. 22, 1943 in Pine Creek, MI. They …

Centreville Public Schools Board of Education President Heather Bright said a slate of five semi-finalists was narrowed to three following interviews this past weekend. The finalists are Stephanie Lemmer, director of Head Start at Kalamazoo RESA; Tim Donahue, superintendent at Potterville Public Schools; and Corey Helgesen, superintendent at Litchfield Community Schools. Lemmer will be first Saturday, as she is in …

State Rep. Aaron Miller last week praised his colleagues in the Michigan House of Representatives for approving his legislation to prevent state representatives and senators who resign from office from running in the special election called to fill the seat. Miller, who chairs the House Elections and Ethics Committee, said the legislation simply clarifies that when an elected official resigns …

Three vehicles, including a car driven by a White Pigeon man, were involved in an accident earlier this month in Cass County’s Mason Township. Sheriff Richard Behnke said a car driven by 83-year-old Gordon Jackson of White Pigeon was heading north March 3 on Tharp Lake Road when it pulled into the path of a car heading east on U.S. …

Hopefully everyone remembered to set their clocks ahead one hour this past Sunday. Remember, spring ahead, fall back. I still haven’t heard a good reason for resetting our clocks twice a year. There has been talk of doing away with the time changing, but that would require an act of Congress and we all know they are way too busy …