The city of Sturgis adopted its 2023-24 fiscal year budget recently, as city commissioners are focusing on long-range funding due to increasing expenses. The city commission adopted the budget and next year’s fee schedule Aug. 9. The city operating tax rate is set at 11.6818 mills; revenue raised from 1 mill is nearly $280,000. The police department budget was set …

Thurston Woods residents had the opportunity to engage in some friendly, Olympic-style competition last week. Maree Wagner, administrative assistant at the Sturgis-based senior-care facility, said Resident Olympics is a tradition enjoyed by many members of the Thurston Woods family. Wagner said an opening ceremony Aug. 15 featured a parade of residents through the facility’s hallways. Several decorated their wheelchairs and …

St. Joseph County Commissioner Luis Rosado provided an explanation about his vote last week against seeking Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s intervention to have Sheriff Mark Lillywhite removed from office. Rosado said he had fielded questions from a number of constituents following Tuesday’s vote. Rosado said his vote was cast out of caution based on the circumstances of Lillywhite’s appearance at the …

Three people were injured after a tire on the car they were in blew out last week in Branch County’s Butler Township. State police said the incident occurred at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the 1100 block of Clarendon Road. The vehicle went off the road, down an embankment and struck a tree, authorities said. No information was provided about the …

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is continuing its fundraising campaign toward a goal of $250,000. Agency officials said the drive is an attempt to purchase a 457-acre property called the LaGrange Valley Wetlands. The Cass County property features an extensive amount of wetlands with water flowing ultimately into the Dowagiac Creek. Acquisition of the property will allow Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy …

United Community Assistance Program wishes to remind the public it is available to help meet the needs residents may have, including assistance with food, gas, laundry service, utilities, personal care and resource information. Furthermore, its Stone Cottage Free Store has clothing, undergarments, coats, shoes, winterwear, towels and blankets available. UCAP Assistance office is located at 320 N. Main St. in …

St. Joseph County United Way is preparing to host a fundraiser targeting suicide prevention. The second annual Walking Along Suicide Prevention 5K will take place Sept. 9 at Oak Lawn Park in Sturgis. Registration starts at 9 a.m., the run begins at 10 o’clock. Advance registration ends Aug. 31 and is $25. Day-of registration is $35 and student cost is …

St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners agreed Tuesday to initiate the process of removing Mark Lillywhite from the office of sheriff. By a 6-1 vote, commissioners approved a motion made by Commissioner Jared Hoffmaster, who requested a complaint be registered with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, with the intent of having Lillywhite removed from office. The motion came toward the conclusion of …

Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of Corrections have been conducting a month-long investigation into incidents involving drugs and cell phones being smuggled into the Lakeland prison in Coldwater. Investigators received a tip about a potential attempt of drugs and/or a cell phone being thrown over a fence on the west side of the prison property. Around 5 a.m. Sunday, …

Work on four major county-backed projects is continuing, though county officials are being advised to prepare for higher-than-projected expenses. During last week’s executive committee meeting, project manager Jennifer Sawyer provided updates on the Three Rivers satellite courthouse, the Centreville courthouse courts building, the historic courthouse roof project and work at the St. Joseph County Jail. Bids for the historic courthouse …