St. Joseph County’s Board of Commissioners had occasion last week to meet and welcome Judie Ratering, the county’s new finance director. During the commission’s twice-a-month meeting last week, Ratering introduced herself and said despite being on the job just two days at the time, she expressed confidence in her ability to uphold the duties of her office.

Authorities in southwestern Michigan say a fire broke out in a 10,000-square-foot barn housing about 60 dairy cattle, killing about 20 of them and taking dozens of firefighters hours to extinguish.  Buchanan Township fire Captain Steve Mullen said the fire was reported about 10:50 a.m. Wednesday at the farm, which is in Berrien County.  Mullen says the fire appears to be …

The Mendon Downtown Development Authority is hoping it can find a buyer for the Wakeman House, believed to be the oldest building in the village. The DDA recently completed the purchase of the one-time hotel for $170,000 after it was foreclosed. The purchase price includes all contents. Operated most recently as the Mendon Country Inn bed and breakfast, the 10-bedroom …

Area fire departments are urging residents to exercise caution with alternative sources of heat. The warning comes as three fires in the past two weeks, including two last weekend, are believed to have started from alternative heat sources. The most recent fire was reported Sunday night at a residence in the 10600 block of Hayman Road in Fabius Township. A …

A husband-and-wife team has been approved to occupy a historic house on the grounds of a popular county park. The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week reached an agreement with Dave Ludders and Caitlin Haring to live in the Dolly Reed House at Rawson’s King Mill Park. In lieu of paying rent, the couple will be responsible for …

Jesse Alvin Roderick, age 74, of Three Rivers, passed away on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 at the Heartland Health Care Center following a long illness. He was born March 30, 1937 in Ann Arbor, MI. the son of Francis and Rose Mary (Bastien) Roderick. On Oct. 5, 1966 Jesse married the late Helen Zampanti in Buchanan, MI. Together they raised …

There no was no love lost, but plenty of action, as the Kalamazoo Wings defeated the Cincinnati Cyclones 4-3 during the 12th Annual Pink Ice Game, presented by WWMT and WKFR. Off to a blistering start, Eric Kattelus (5th) scored on a left-circle slap shot seven seconds into the game to give the K-Wings the early advantage. The goal was …

Helen M. Stewart, 96, of Jackson, and formerly of Sturgis, passed away, Jan. 30, 2012 at Highland Alzheimer’s Care in Jackson. At her request, cremation has taken place. She was born Sept. 9, 1915, to Charles and Esther Humbarger Ladd in Van Wert, Ohio. A 1933 graduate of Cement City High School, she was the high scorer of the girls’ …

A very Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. May each of you let your loved ones know just how much they mean to you. If you love them, let them know. It’s especially important to let your children know just how important they are to you. If there are any teenagers reading this, it’s okay to tell your parents that you …

Sturgis Police on Monday said the man responsible for carjacking a vehicle from a 59-year-old woman outside Walmart last month was taken into custody in Arkansas. Tyronza Miller, 37, was arrested by U.S. Marshals Monday at a residence in Arkansas, where he previously lived. Police said they believe Miller returned to his native Flint after the late-night incident outside Sturgis …