County Information

The St. Joseph County Road Commission will install green lights alongside its amber lights to improve visibility of its maintenance vehicles, including snow plows. Agency officials said the green lights appear brighter and can be seen from farther away than other colored lights, making them suitable for enhanced visibility in inclement conditions. Road commission director Chris Minger said the commission …

A 17-year-old employee was arrested following a breaking-and-entering incident at Mancino’s Italian restaurant in White Pigeon. Sheriff’s deputies were called to the eatery Monday in response to forced entry through a rear door. Investigators found access was gained by drilling out the locking mechanism and prying the door open. Two flat-screen televisions, a laptop computer and the contents from the …

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week voted to disband the county’s Comprehensive Traffic Safety Commission. Instead, it will be re-established through the “Traffic Safety Programs, Guidelines and Services” through the county commission’s committee system. The Comprehensive Traffic Safety Commission was established in 1976 and will now dovetail into the county’s Law Enforcement Committee. As a result, the …

An embezzlement case involving a Sturgis woman and Sturgis Youth Soccer Organization advanced a step earlier this month. Tammy Cain recently entered a no-contest plea on charges of attempted larceny in a building in a proceeding that took place in St. Joseph County Circuit Court. As part of the plea agreement, Cain agreed to pay the organization $20,000 in restitution. …

St. Joseph County officials last week approved an agreement to continue extension services from Michigan State University. The matter had been debated during budget discussions but ultimately, commissioners agreed to a contract in excess of $123,000 For the money, St. Joseph County will receive an educator and program coordinator, both on a part-time basis. In addition, the allocation will cover …

Two people were arrested on drug-related offenses last week and face additional charges of mail theft. The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department said deputies spotted a vehicle at 3:15 p.m. Saturday parked along Mill Pond Road near Fawn River Road in White Pigeon Township. Investigators said a 23-year-old woman was seen burning mail. Meanwhile, deputies found she and her 24-year-old …

Sturgis city commissioners earlier this month reappointed five members to the city’s Building Authority Board for one-year terms. They are Julie Andrews, Dan Arney, Andy Boyd, Ned Heydlauff and Mike Wilson. In an unrelated matter of business, a report on expanding the city’s fiber optic capabilities resulted in no action. Commissioners, however, expressed an interest in exploring a proposal for …

Members from two area fire departments made Christmas brighter for some Three Rivers and area families last week. Personnel from Three Rivers and Fabius-Park departments Friday delivered gifts to families in the annual “Firefighters for Santa.” Beginning at 3 p.m., firefighters, with the help of Santa, delivered the presents in one- hour blocks. In addition, each of the 90 families …

St. Joseph County Animal Control recently received a new piece of agility equipment. The piece is a ring jump and was provided thanks to the Centreville Courageous K-9s 4- H Club. The ring jump is adjustable, and can be used for small and large dogs. St. Joseph County Animal Control supervisor Greg Musser thanked the club for its generosity and …

The St. Joseph County Parks and Recreation Department was selected as a recipient of a grant in excess of $100,000, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. County grant writer James Hissong said a $46,300 grant through the MDNR Trust Fund program was confirmed for continued development of the county’s river trail network. In addition, a $62,500 grant through …