This week’s column is a continuation of last week’s, so back to the campsite. Thursday, July 21, had a weather forecast of being extremely hot, with a chance of severe thunderstorms. I’m pretty sure that Mother Nature was at one time was a member of the military’s Delta Force. Delta Force has said, “You can run, but you can’t hide.” …

A number of decisions concerning local government will be made during today’s primary election. Polls are open until 8 o’clock tonight. Leading the way are two contested races for county commission. District 2 incumbent Don Eaton, a Burr Oak Township resident, is being challenged by Mendon residents Chad Behrens and Kathy Pangle. All three are running as Republicans. The district …

St. Joseph County will have a newly elected clerk and register of deeds after today’s primary election. Voters will decide between two Republican contenders Melissa Marsh of Fabius Township and Lindsay Oswald of Lockport Township. Oswald has held the position since July 2015, as she was appointed after predecessor Pattie Bender announced her retirement. The post is for a four-year …

Four St. Joseph County officials and three county commissioners are running uncontested in today’s primary election. Sheriff Brad Balk, 63, is completing his second four-year term. He has said this will likely be his final run for the office. Balk lives in Centreville. The post currently pays $79,000 a year. Prosecutor John McDonough, 36, is also completing his eighth year …

Sturgis Hospital named Bev Watson, as the Associate of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter 2016. Bev has been an employee of Sturgis Hospital for nearly 15 years and works in Patient Access Services. She was nominated by coworker, Donna Nottoli who says: “Bev is committed to her profession. She takes pride in her work, has an exemplary work ethic …

The president of Western Michigan University is retiring next year after 10 years in the job. John Dunn says he will serve through June 2017 and then become president emeritus for a year. He announced his retirement Monday to give university trustees plenty of time to find a successor. Kenneth Miller, chairman of WMU’s governing board, says the Kalamazoo school …

Mrs. Ellen Naomi Broker, age 94, of Three Rivers, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2016 at the Heartland Health Care Center. She was born on Dec. 10, 1921 in Vicksburg, MI., the daughter of the late Walter G. and Ruby C. (Springer) Fritz. On December 24, 1940 Ellen married the love of her life Mr. Andrew C. Broker. She …

Francis “Bud” Stanley Krawczak passed away on Saturday, July 30th, 2016 at Heartland Healthcare due to complications related to vascular dementia. Bud was born on August 14th, 1937 in Saginaw, Michigan to Stanley and Adeline (Mrozinski) Krawczak. He married Mary Ellen Oldenburg and together they had four children. He worked at the Saginaw Grey Iron Foundry for twenty-four years before …

Eddie F. Bowman, 47, of White Pigeon, died Saturday, July 30, 2016, at his home. Cremation has taken place. A memorial services will held at a later date. Arrangements are by Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.

The June unemployment rate in St. Joseph County increased by three-tenth of a percent compared to a month earlier. The monthly labor-market analysis by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget showed St. Joseph County’s 3.9 percent June unemployment rate was more than May’s 3.6 percent. However, June’s unemployment rate was seven-tenths of a percent less than the same …