Urged by a capacity crowd, St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners Tuesday agreed to place a millage renewal request before voters regarding the county’s Commission on Aging. Fifteen people addressed commissioners, asking that they consider placing a six-year renewal of three-quarters of a mill before voters in the Aug. 7 primary election. Commissioners had previously debated whether to ask for …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved a request for out-of-state travel for a team of four members from the county sheriff’s department. In a memo from Captain Tim Schuler, it was explained that training provided through the National Sheriff’s Association will take place June 18-20 in Nashville, Tenn. Schuler said seminars will focus on matters including …

A Sturgis City Commission member and candidate for county treasurer has withdrawn from the race. Rob Sisson, who was expected to challenge current treasurer Judie Ratering for the four-year term in November, notified Clerk Pattie Bender of his decision earlier this week. Sisson’s move means Ratering, who was appointed earlier this year to fill the unexpired term of Phyllis Bainbridge, …

State Sen. Bruce Caswell will stage an early morning coffee hour with constituents from the 16th District this weekend. From 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Caswell will be at Dawn and Phil’s Café in Colon. Caswell has issued a standing invitation to anyone interested in meeting with him to discuss concerns and ideas. The restaurant is located at the northeast …

Sally Elizabeth Pisco, age 73, of Three Rivers, formerly of Flint, MI. passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Borgess Medical Center following a lengthy illness. She was born on July 11, 1938 in Boston, Mass., the daughter of, Eileen Hamman. (Adoptive parents Howard and Eunice Francis). Mrs. Pisco has been a long time resident of this area. She …

Susan Houghton, 69, of White Pigeon passed away at 11:30 p.m. Sunday, May 13, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born May 17, 1942, in North Canton, Ohio, to Arthur James and Rosemary (Garrison) Shahan. She is survived by her children, Carla Bordine of White Pigeon, Cynthia Ernst of Decatur, James Houghton of Sturgis, William Houghton …

I’m hoping that this past weekend, all you mothers were surrounded by your children and reminded of how much you are loved by all. If this did happen, you are to be commended for doing a great job of parenting. Savor the time. In a perfect world, every day would be Mother’s Day. With the weather being as nice as …

Constantine police chief Jim Bedell has been appointed acting village manager while full-time village manager Mark Honeysett recovers from a heart attack. Members of the village council last week agreed to the temporary measure, which means Bedell will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the village, as well as the law-enforcement side of the community. It was suggested a …

A longtime Centreville-area resident has committed to running for a seat to the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners. Florence Township resident Barry Miller has filed paperwork to challenge Rick Shaffer in November for what will be the new-look Third District. Effective in 2013, the district will cover Lockport, Nottawa, Sherman and Florence townships. The 39-year-old Miller, who runs a …

Kim M. Binkley, age 48, of Colon, passed away, Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after a seven-year battle with cancer. Kim was born Oct. 29, 1963, in Battle Creek, a daughter to Delos R. and Dolores (Eddy) Bertrand. Kim lived in Colon all of her life, graduating from Colon High School with the Class of …